own as Chatham Street, and here their
ears were saluted with the sounds of music, which emanated from the
illuminated saloons, which lined the sidewalks at frequent intervals.

Frank gazed with curious eyes at this phase of New York life, so new
and startling to one whose early years had been passed in the rural
simplicity of a German peasant, and as Bucholz stopped before one of
these places and asked him if he would like to go inside, he made not
the slightest objection. Quietly following his guide they found
themselves within the walls of one of those gilded palaces of sin,
that have so often proved the avenues through which many unsuspecting
young men have entered upon a life of shame and dishonor.

To Frank, however, the scene was novel and exciting, the music was
exhilarating, and the "pretty waiter girls" were objects of curiosity
and unfeigned admiration. Pushing their way through the crowded
assembly, where men and women were engaged in drinking and indulging
in loud and boisterous laughter, they reached a position in front of
a stage that had been erected in the rear end of the hall, and before
which hung a gaudily-painted curtain, which hid from the spectators
the mysteries and perhaps the miseries that lay beyond.

Bucholz appeared to be perfectly at home among this mixed assemblage,
and nodded familiarly to right and left in recognition of numerous
friends and acquaintances. Presently a buxom-looking German girl,
whose rosy cheeks and rotund figure gave evidence that her life in
this place had been of short duration, advanced towards them, and,
seating herself beside Bucholz, bade him good evening, in a tone of
familiarity which betokened a long, or, at least, a well-understood
acquaintance.

[Illustration: _"A buxom looking german girl sat down beside
Bucholz, and bade him Good Evening."_]

To the young man who accompanied Bucholz there seemed to be a
fascination in the glitter of his present surroundings, and he
instinctively began to feel envious of his more fortunate companion,
who appeared so much at his ease, and whose intimacy with the
Teutonic siren was so much to be admired.

During the progress of the mixed entertainment that followed, in
which dancing and singing, banjo playing, and a liberal display of
the anatomy of the female "artists" formed the principal features,
they sipped their beer and applauded loudly the efforts of those who
ministered to their enjoyment.

Upon the conclusion