A CANVAS CHRISTMAS
Written for a club of boys from twelve to seventeen.
ACT I
Time: Ten o'clock on Christmas Eve.
Scene: The mess-tent of Pepper's Perennial Circus, very bare and shabby, with circus litter about; signs, "No Smoking," "Next performance, 2 P.M.," posters, etc., on the tent walls; a rough mess-table of boards and trestles, with boxes, stools, two broken chairs, etc., for seats. Pile of old blankets in one corner. Lantern hangs in center of tent, and another [L.] at entrance to circus tent. [R.], another exit, leading out of doors. Music [if possible] from circus tent, playing last strains of "Home, Sweet Home." Burst of applause from circus tent, the flaps part, and the troupe enters [excepting Pepper, Mike, and the animals], weary and discontented, and drop down anywhere to rest. Hopkins throws himself on pile of blankets [R.], Jack takes a box nearby, Barney sits on table, and Jerry goes to entrance [R.], fanning himself with his hat. Ben takes box [L.], and Dutch enters last, slipping the straps of his peanut-tray from his shoulders and setting it on the end of the table.
Harry [sullenly]. This 'ere's the worst night we've 'ad yet.
Jack. You bet yer life!
Barney. Faix! I've no futs left an me at all, at all!
Tim [rubs his arms]. I'm lame all over. It's me for the liniment bottle!