Cinder Path Tales

AND EVERY ONE A WINNER 183 for " his turn " (we discovered later thatthe performer came out and filled up his ten minutes just the same, whether applauded and encored, or greeted with stony silence), so, notwithstanding vigorous clapping, assisted by the more demonstrativeboot-heel, Robert only made his bow from the wings,and de­ parted. As he disappeared on one side, adiminu­ tive little darky hurried on from the other, and changed the cards, announcing as the next star, "Sam Walker." An examina­ tion of the play-bill rewarded us also with the information that Sam was the "World's Champion Clog Dancer, Lancashire Style." Two attendants in ragged costumes brought out a big square of white marble, which they deposited with considerable labor on one side of the stage, and after alittle delay, to make the audience impatient, the distinguished Walker appeared, clad in well-chalked white tights, and with the champion'sbelt buckled round his waist. It was at least six inches wide, and so heavy with gold, silver, and precious stonesthat the redoubtable Sam was obliged to remove it before he could dance at all. Sam's brother Alfred, in a rusty dress suit, took his seat ina chair onthe other side of the stage, and with an enormous accordeon furnished the music for the champion, who