pend the
amount of the fare on myself. With this understanding we parted company.
Next morning I started for my new sphere of life, deciding to utilise

SHANKS' PONY

It was a glorious morning. When I set off, my feet were encased in a pair
of high Wellington boots, but as I walked along one of the boots began to
pinch my foot very badly, so I stopped somewhere between Halifax and
Brighouse and changed the offensive boot for one of my stage pumps.

THE GREEN BAG

The Wellington I deposited in my green bag, which by the way, contained
my stage "properties," to wit, tights, tunics, and the like. About this
time I was overtaken by a man who would have me believe he had seen me
before somewhere. I didn't like the look of that man a bit. He told me he
was walking to Sheffield and would have no objections to accompanying me
as far as I was going. I should liked to have told him that I was of
opinion that "one's company, two's none," yet his request of itself was
not in any way a peculiar one. So we jogged on together for some time. He
noticed that I limped somewhat, and in consideration thereof, I, on his
invitation, allowed him to carry my green bag--my only belongings--my
all. We chatted very pleasantly on the road, and it was agreed, with no
dissentient, that I should call at the first tavern we came to in
Brighouse, and do a bit of busking. He said he did not care to call at
the tavern, seeing that he was so shabbily dressed: he would _wait_ at
the other end of the town. Of course I took in all he said as gospel, or
the next approaching it. I entered the first tavern that hove insight, he
promising to "stay about."

ENTERTAINING STRANGERS

There was a "druffen Scotchman" in the house, and as soon as he became
aware that I had read much about the Land o' Cakes and Barley, he showed
a kind of rapturous paternal affection for me. When he learned that I
could "recite a wee bit," his delight knew no bounds. I recited several
pieces for the entertainment of the company, such as "Young Lochinvar"
and "Jock o' Hazeldean," and they rewarded me with fifteen pence for my
efforts, besides treating me to some light refreshment.

THE BAG MYSTERY

But I became anxious to join my travelling companion, whom I had left
waiting outside--or who had left me waiting for him. So I bade the
company "Adieu!" and quitted the tavern; but loo! my anonymous friend had
_vanished_ like a vision from my sight. I searched