erling, which ring will be
exhibited to the audience at the conclusion of the performance.' How
will _that_ do, my boy? We'll raise the price of admission to
twenty-five cents on account of the extra attraction. I'll play Jaques
Strop, the house will be crammed, and you will go on your way rejoicing,
with a full pocket."

"I say, old fellow," I gravely remarked--"are you not laying it on a
_little too thick_?"

"Not at all," coolly replied the brother as he carefully knocked the
ashes off the end of his cigar, "not at all. Humbug is the order of the
day. I'll get a flashy ring to represent the one presented to you by
the queen. You know enough about stage business to play the part of
Robert Macaire very respectably and you also know that I am not very
slow in Jaques Strop. You'll make a hit, depend on it. I'll get you the
book, and you can look over the part. What you don't learn you can
gag.[J] I'll announce you for to-morrow night. Leave all to me; I'll
arrange everything. Let's go in and drink!"

I was soon master of the part; and, at the end of the next day's
rehearsal, I was found to be "dead letter perfect." The manager and the
members of his company congratulated me on the success which I was sure
to meet with. Meanwhile, the town had been flooded with bills, which
made the same extravagant announcement that Brother Pratt had suggested
to me. Public expectation and curiosity were worked up to the highest
pitch; and a crowd of excited people assembled in front of the principal
hotel, in anticipation of the sudden arrival of the "distinguished
comedian" in a splendid coach drawn by four superb white horses, and
attended by a retinue of servants in magnificent livery.

Evening came, and the large hall was crowded almost to suffocation,
although the price of tickets had been doubled. I was full of
confidence, having fortified myself by imbibing several glasses of
brandy and water. Just before going on the stage Brother Pratt was, to
use a common expression, "pretty well over the bay." Well, to make a
long story as short as possible, I went on at the proper time, followed
by Jaques Strop. My appearance was greeted with a perfect whirlwind of
applause, which lasted four or five minutes. Taking off my dilapidated
beaver, I gracefully bowed my thanks and then began the part which
commences thus:

"Come along, comrade, put your best leg foremost. What are you
afraid of? We are out of danger now, and shall