There was a platform at one end, where the musicians sat when saltatory
_fetes_ were held, and on this I mounted to 'take a view.' I didn't feel
called upon to admire the hall in audible terms; but as I stood there an
inspiring scene arose before my mental vision--a scene of up-turned
faces, each representing the sum of fifteen cents, that being the
regular swindle for getting into shows round here, the landlord said. I
struck a bargain for the hall, at once--a bargain by which I was to have
it for two dollars if I didn't do very well, or five dollars if I had a
regular big crowd; bill-stickers and doorkeeper included, free.
In the evening, I went to the village post-office, which was merely a
corner of the village store, and inquired if there was a letter there
for Professor Green D. Brown. I knew very well there was not, of course,
but I had the not unexpected pleasure of seeing the postmaster's eyes
dilate inquiringly, so that I felt called upon to say:--
'I am a stranger, sir, in Sidon, at present, but I hope to enjoy the
honor of making the acquaintance of a large number of your intelligent
citizens during my brief stay with you. I propose lecturing in this
village to-morrow evening, on a historical, or perhaps I should say
biographical, subject.
Pages:
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33