Cinder Path Tales

182 CINDER-PATH TALES boys, big and little) came a shrill " Put 'em out! " and a big wad of paper composedof an entire "World," and thrown by a skilful hand, which landed on the top of Jim'shead. But Jim, apparentlynot at all noticing the attention which he was attracting, unfolded his play-bill, andbegan to study itwith the air of a connoisseur, or a provincial manager in search of talent. The document was headed with " BILLY JAYNE'S REFINED VAUDEVILLE CO.," and near thebottom of the first page was bracketed, "Robert Loring, Basso Profundo, Nautical Songs, Without a Rival." It was evidently Robertwho was " doing his turn " when we entered, for his song told of " wild waves, brave ships, oak timbers, fearful storms, wrecks, and watery gaves,"in tones deepenough to make the heart quake. He ended,just aswe were well settled in our seats, with a row of descending notes, the last several feet below the lowest brick of the cellar, and bowed himself off the stage, amid a burst of applause, which was fol­ lowed by another demonstration, well mingled with laughter, when Jim remarked very audibly to the old lady byhis side, " I really wonder how he does it," and " Shouldn't you think itwould hurt him? " Loring hadalready occupied the full time