Cinder Path Tales

i8o CINDER-PATH TALES then reaching hishuge fist through the little open place in the window, shook it as near the Roman nose as the length of his arm would permit. We finally persuaded him to subside, and Harry took his place with a roll of bills to purchase the tickets. He had hardly begun to speak, however, before Harding caught him, and lifted him, despite his struggles, on to the shoulder of a big statue of Terp­ sichore, inthe corner,reminding him, gently but firmly, that the invitation was his, and he must be permitted to pay thebills. He obtained five seats in the front row of the orchestra, andparted therefor with two dol­ lars and fiftycents. We were inspected a trifle suspiciously by the door-keeper,but filed in, and found the little theatre filledwith a numerous and en­ thusiastic audience. The gallery was packed, the cheap seats on the rear of the floor well taken, andonly a few of the more expensive ones in the front of the house unoccupied. The airwas hot, and full enough of the fumes of alcohol to burn. Before we had adjusted our lungsto the new conditions, a little fel­ low in a dirty zouave suit took the checks from Jim, and ushered us down the centre aisle toour seats in the front row. We made considerable noise, for the stepswere of un-