particularly tame-looking
murderers' heads in glazed pigeon-holes, a few limp effigies
stuck up on rickety ledges, and an elderly Cart-horse in low
spirits, there is little to see at present._
_Melia_ (_to JOE, as they inspect the Cart-horse._) This 'ere can't
never be the live 'orse with five legs, as they said was to be seen
inside!
_Joe._ Theer ain't no other 'orse in 'ere, and why _shouldn't_ it be
'im, if that's all?
_Melia._ Well, I don't make out no more'n _four_ legs to'un, nohow,
myself.
_Joe._ Don't ye be in sech a 'urry, now--the Show ain't _begun_ yet!
[Illustration: "It's quoite tri-ew!"]
[_The barrel-organ outside blares "God Save the Queen," and
more Spectators come stumping down the wooden steps, followed
by the Showman._
_Showman._ I shell commence this Exhibition by inviting your
inspection of the wonderful live 'orse with five legs. (_To
the depressed Cart-horse._) 'Old up! (_The poor beast lifts his
off-fore-leg with obvious reluctance, and discloses a very small
supernumerary hoof concealed behind the fetlock._) Examine it! for
yourselves--two distinct 'oofs with shoes and nails complete--a
_great_ novelty!
_Melia._ I don't call that nothen of a leg, _I_ don't--it ain't 'ardly
a _oof_, even!
_Joe_ (_with phlegm_). That's wheer th' old 'orse gits the larf on ye,
that is!
_Showman._ We will now pass on to the Exhibition. 'Ere (_indicating
a pair of lop-sided Orientals in nondescript attire_) we 'ave two
life-sized models of the Japanese villagers who caused so much
sensation in London on account o' their peculiar features--you will
easily reckernise the female by her bein' the ugliest one o' the two.
(_Compassionate titters from the Spectators._) I will now call your
attention to a splendid group, taken from English 'Istry, and set in
motion by powerful machinery, repperesentin' the Parting Interview
of CHARLES THE FIRST with his fam'ly. (_Rolls up a painted canvas
curtain, and reveals the Monarch seated, with the Duke of GLOUCESTER
on his knee, surrounded by OLIVER CROMWELL, and as many Courtiers,
Guards, and Maids of Honour as can be accommodated in the limited
space._) I will wind up the machinery and the unfortunate King will be
seen in the act of bidding his fam'ly ajew for ever in this world.
[_CHARLES begins to click solemnly and move his head by
progressive jerks to the right, while the Little Duke
moves his simultaneously to the
|