s."

"A very low one, sir?"

"Yes, very low indeed."

Tim bent his body to the ground, and threw a somerset forward. "There,
sir; I bowed so low, that I came up on the other side."

"Ha! ha! capital!" from the crowd.

"I've got a round turn in my back, sir," continued Tim, rubbing himself.
"Hadn't I better take it out again?"

"By all means."

Tim threw a somerset backwards. "There, sir, all's right now. One good
turn deserves another. Now I'll be off."

"Where are you going to, sir?"

"Going, sir!! Why, I left my lollipop in the tinder-box, and I'm going
to fetch it."

"Ha! ha! ha!"

"Strike up, music!" and Master Jumbo commenced tumbling.

Such was the elegant wit with which we amused and attracted the
audience. Perhaps, had we been more refined, we should not have been so
successful.

That evening we had the room as full as it could hold. Signor Velotti
_alias_ Melchior astonished them. The cards appeared to obey his
commands--rings were discovered in lady's shoes--watches were beat to a
powder and made whole--canary birds flew out of eggs. The audience were
delighted. The entertainment closed with Fleta's performance on the
slack wire; and certainly never was there anything more beautiful and
graceful. Balanced on the wire in a continual, waving motion, her eyes
fixed upon a point to enable her to maintain her position, she performed
several feats, such as the playing with five oranges, balancing swords,
&c. Her extreme beauty--her very picturesque and becoming dress--her
mournful expression and downcast eyes--her gentle manner, appeared to
win the hearts of the audience; and when she was assisted off from her
perilous situation by Melchior and me, and made her graceful courtesy,
the plaudits were unanimous.

When the company dispersed I went to her, intending to praise her, but I
found her in tears. "What is the matter, my dear Fleta?"

"O nothing! don't say I have been crying--but I cannot bear it--so many
people looking at me. Don't say a word to Melchior--I won't cry any
more."

Chapter XII

It is very easy to humbug those who are so eager to be humbugged as
people are in this world of humbug--We show ourselves excessively
disinterested, which astonishes everybody.

I kissed and consoled her; she threw her arm round my neck, and remained
there with her face hid for some time. We then joined the others at
supper. Melchior was much pleased with our success, and highl