ring on contempt._

_A Lady_ (_to a_ Military Friend--_as the Captain twirls the rifle
rapidly round his neck_). Have you ever seen anyone drill like that
before?

_The Mil. F._ Saw CINQUEVALLI do something very like it at the Empire.
But _he_ had a cannon-ball as well.

_The Lady._ Look at him now--he's making the gun revolve upside down
with the bayonet on the palm of his hand! Could _you_ do that?

_The M.F._ Not without drilling a hole in myself.

_The Lady._ It really is wonderful that he shouldn't feel the point,
isn't it now?

_The M.F._ Well, I don't see much point _in_ it myself--but so long as
it amuses him, I daresay it's all right.

[_The Captain discharges the gun in the air and retires at the
double, feeling that his country's safety is secure for the
present. JOHNNY BAKER, the young American Marksman, appears
and exhibits his skill in shooting upside down._

_The Rigid Matron._ He missed one that time--he's not quite such a
good shot as the girl was.

_One of the Daughters._ Oh, but, Mother, you forget! Miss ANNIE OAKLEY
didn't stand on _her_--

_The R.M._ (_in an awful voice_), I am perfectly aware of that,
EUPHEMIA; so pray don't make such unnecessary remarks!

[_EUPHEMIA subsides in confusion._

_An Unsophisticated Spectator_ (_as Master BAKER, after rubbing
his forehead, discovers a brickbat under the mat where his head had
been_). Now, how _very_ odd! He found a brick in exactly the same
place when I was here before! Someone must have a grudge against him,
poor boy! But he ought to look _before_ he stands on his head, next
time!

_Mr. Timmerman_ (_carelessly, to his wife, as the Deadwood Coach is
introduced_). It would be rather fun to have a ride in the Coach--new
experience and all that.

_Mrs. T._ (_who doesn't intend him to go_). Oh, do be _careful_ then.

_Mr. T._ (_feeling quite the Daredevil_). Pooh, my dear, what is there
to be careful about?

_Mrs. T._ It does look such a ramshackle old thing--it might break
down. Accidents do happen so quickly.

_Mr. T._ (_reflecting that they certainly do_). Oh, if it wasn't
perfectly safe, they wouldn't--

_Mrs. T._ Well, promise me if you go on the box to hold on tight round
the corners, then!

_Mr. T._ (_who doesn't see much to hold on by_). I shan't _go_ on the
box--I shall go inside.

_Mrs. T._ There mayn't be room. There are several people waiting to
go already. You'll have to make haste to get a seat a