“I lose my vife!”
“I’m sorry,” said Philip, sympathetically.
“Oh, dat’s all right,” said his talkative companion. “I get her again ven ve stop. She got on other sled. I could not for the crowd. But she vill vait for me; she vill not run avay. She is too good for me, anyhow!”
Philip was relieved that the trouble was not more serious, and after they left the car, the triumphant German pointed to his faithful spouse, saying: “See! I tol’ you!”
FROM THE FERRIS WHEEL—LOOKING WEST.
After taking a snap-shot at the moving sled, they left the building, securing at the exit a handful of snow, which was, as the exhibitor claimed, real snow. But he also said it was a souvenir; and as a souvenir it was a failure, unless it was kept in a bottle, for it melted after the manner of all well-conducted snow elsewhere than on high mountain-peaks.
The “Moorish Palace” received their attention next. Upon entering they found themselves in what they considered a very ordinary show. It was a large room having tables and chairs, beer and tobacco-smoke, and a stage where a variety performance took place.
Two young men, in evening dress, were carrying on a dialogue that Harry said was perhaps the most genuine antique in the Plaisance. This dialogue, varied by fair handsprings, lasted longer than the boys cared to stay; so they wandered further into the Moorish mysteries. Groups and figures in wax occupied a large part of the second floor, but the only interesting object the boys saw was a printed sign requesting visitors not to talk to the wax figures. Mr. Douglass’s book had informed him that there was a “maze” of mirrors well worth seeing, but in finding this exhibit the party displayed more ingenuity than was shown in the maze itself. “Dime museum” was the boys’ well-considered verdict. Turning away, they were attracted by the cry: “Do not fail to see the performance in the great Moorish theater!” Always willing to oblige, the party mustered three dimes, received tickets, and entered at this new door.
“Well, well!” said Mr. Douglass, as he reached the edge of a balcony from which he could look upon the performance. The boys walked forward, supposing that he was expressing surprise. And so he was.