ler of seats, a
dark-bearded man, with sallow complexion, inquired:

"How many?"

"One," said Saint-Prosper, depositing a Mexican piece on the counter
before the cubby-hole.

"We've taken in plenty of this kind of money to-day," remarked the
man, holding up the coin. "I reckon you come to town with old Zach?"

"Yes." The soldier was about to turn away, when he changed his mind
and observed: "You used to give legitimate drama here."

"That was some time ago," said the man in the box, reflectively. "The
soldiers like vaudeville. Ever hear Impecunious Jordan?"

"I never did."

"Then you've got a treat," continued the vender. "He's the best in his
line. Hope you'll enjoy it, sir," he concluded, with the courtesy
displayed toward one and all of "Old Rough and Ready's" men that day.
"It's the best seat left in the house. You come a little late, you
know." And as the other moved away:

"How different they look before and after! They went to Mexico fresh
as daisies, and come back--those that do--dead beat, done up!"

[Illustration]

Passing through the door, Saint-Prosper was ushered to his seat in a
renovated auditorium; new curtain, re-decorated stalls, mirrors and
gilt in profusion; the old restfulness gone, replaced by glitter and
show. Amid changed conditions, the derangement of fixed external form
and outline, the sight of a broad face in the orchestra and the aspect
of a colossal form riveted his attention. This person was neither
stouter nor thinner than before; he perspired neither more nor less;
he was neither older nor younger--seemingly; he played on his
instrument neither better nor worse. Youth might fade, honors take
wing, the face of nature change, but Hans, Gargantuan Hans, appeared
but a figure in an eternal present! Gazing at that substantial
landmark, the soldier was carried back in thought over the long period
of separation to a forest idyl; a face in the firelight; the song of
the katydid; the drumming of the woodpecker. Dreams; vain dreams! They
had assailed him before, but seldom so sharply as now in a place
consecrated to the past.

"Look out for the dandies,
Girls, beware;
Look out for their blandishments,
Dears, take care!
For they're always ready--remember this!--
To pilfer from maids an unwilling kiss.
Oh, me! Oh, my! There! There!" (_Imaginary slaps._)

sang and gesticulated a lady in abbreviated skirts and low-cut dres