Fig. 3.—Candle stand and roof protector.
Next obtain a piece of cardboard, and from it cut out a stage front to fit the interior of the box, as shown in [Fig. 2]. This front must be painted in bright colors and glued inside the box about 31⁄2 inches from the end opposite to that at which the peep-holes have been made.
The dotted lines in the illustration of the finished show ([Fig. 1]) indicate the position of this stage front. A reference to the same diagram will also show a small door at the side of the show (D, [Fig. 1]). This must next claim our attention.
Simply cut a small aperture about 3 inches wide by 4 inches deep, and hinge the oblong of wood thus obtained back into its position by means of a piece of linen and glue. The object of this door is to enable the showman to attend to the lighting of his show, done by means of a candle, or, if necessary, two or three candles. The lights are placed behind the stage front in such a position that they are invisible to those gazing through the peep-holes. In order that the candles shall not scorch the roof, they should be placed upon pieces of tin, bent to the shape shown in [Fig. 3].
The first portion of the show is now complete, and we will turn our attention to the second, and more important section.
Another raid must be made upon the tobacconist’s or grocer’s and a second box procured similar to the first. It is necessary that this box should be of the same width, and at least twice as high as the first is deep.
This box is represented by B, [Fig. 1]. Stand it on end and place the other against it in the manner shown by the diagram. Now take a pencil and mark a line across the second box at its junction with the first. With a fretsaw or penknife make a cut along this line, and then completely remove the square of wood below this cut. A glance at [Fig. 4] will make this clear.
Fig. 4.—Scene-raising apparatus.