ing as an argument the fact that he had contributed more
than the others to the general fund. It was an argument that could not
be disputed, and Dickey's notice was allowed to remain, although
Johnny contended that the audience would think his Indian had been
intended as a portrait of the missing Tim.

In the upper left-hand corner Mopsey painted, with all the colors at
his command, a picture of a schooner under full sail, with a row of
what was at first supposed to be guns showing over the rail, but which
he explained were pea-nuts, adding that she was represented as having
a full cargo on board.

Ben, with fingers still aching from severe exertion with the pencil,
drew a picture of his blacking-box and brush, which would have been
quite a correct likeness if he had not made the mistake of painting
the brush nearly three times as large as the box.

Then, in order that Nelly might do something towards beautifying this
wonderful curtain, she was allowed to print the name of each member of
the firm, as well as her own, around the border, giving more color to
the whole, even if it did not add to the artistic effect.

It was very late when all this was done, and the promoters of this
grand enterprise were obliged to go to their respective beds, much as
they would have liked to continue at their work all night.

The hundred and twenty tickets were divided equally among the five
partners, that they might sell as many as possible before the opening
of the doors on Saturday night, and thus lessen Mrs. Green's duties as
door-keeper.

It was also agreed before they separated that night, that Ben and
Dickey should not attempt to do any business the next day, but devote
all their time to banging the curtain and hunting up old bottles to
use as holders for the foot-lights, so that everything would be in
readiness for the rehearsal in the evening.

During the next forenoon, those of the partners who pursued their
regular business had all they could do to attend to those who wished
to buy papers and theatre tickets, and more particularly the latter.

There had been very much talk and speculation among this portion of
the news-selling world as to the theatre, and every one was anxious to
secure a ticket as early as possible, lest if they delayed until near
the time of the performance they should be unable to gain admission.

Of course where so much had been said about any one particular thing
as was said about this theatre, a