The auditorium began to fill up rapidly. Jack saw many of his chums, and nodded to them. Then he began to study the program. An announcement on it caught his eye. It was to the effect that during the entertainment a chance would be given to any amateur performers in the audience to come upon the stage, and show what they could do in the way of singing, dancing or in other lines of public entertaining. Prizes would be given for the best act, it was stated; five dollars for the first, three for the second, and one for the third. “Say,” Jack whispered to Tom, who came in just then, “going to try for any of those prizes?” “Naw,” replied Tom, vigorously chewing gum. “I can’t do nothin’. Some of the fellows are, though. Arthur Little is going to recite, and Sam Parsons is going to do some contortions. Why, do you want to try?” “I’d like to.” “What can you do?” “My clown act,” replied Tom. “I’ve got some new dancing steps, and maybe I could win a prize.” “Sure you could,” replied Tom generously. “Go ahead. I’ll clap real loud for you.” “Guess I will,” said Jack, breathing a little faster under the exciting thought of appearing on a real stage. He had often taken the part of a clown in shows the boys arranged among themselves, but this would be different. “Ah, there goes the curtain!” exclaimed Tom, as the orchestra finished playing the introduction, and there was a murmur all over the auditorium, as the first number of the vaudeville performance started. CHAPTER III JACK IS PUNISHED The show was a fairly good one, and Jack and the other boys, as well as older persons in the audience, enjoyed the various numbers, from the singing and dancing, to a one-act sketch. More than one was anxious, however, for the time to come when the amateurs would be given a chance. At length the manager came before the curtain, and announced that those who wished might try their talents on the audience. Several of the boys began to call for this or that chum, whom they knew could do some specialty. “Give us that whistling stunt, Jimmy!” was one cry. “Hey, Sim; here’s a chance to show how far you can jump!” cried another. “Speak about the boy on the burning deck!” suggested a third. “Now we must have quietness,” declared the manager. “Those who wish to perform may come up here, give me their names, and I will announce them in turn.” Several lads started for the stage, Jack included. His chums called good-naturedly after him as he walked up the aisle. “I might as well have all the fun I can to-night,” thought our hero. “When Professor Klopper finds out what I’ve done, if he hasn’t already, he’ll be as mad as two hornets.” The boys, and one or two girls, who had stage aspirations, crowded around the manager, eager to give in their names.