Mr. Simmons opened the carpet bag and after some search found the bead purse, from which he drew a dime, and suggested the immediate investment of it. Captain Clancy remembered to have heard a friend say that there was a quiet saloon on--let's see, what street was it? After some hesitation and search they came upon a place with swinging doors where a light was hanging outside, and the captain suggested that they could probably get a glass of beer within. They entered and found themselves before a gorgeous bar, ablaze with lights and mirrors, at which lounged five or six men of a rather rough and night-owlish appearance. Mr. Simmons called for two glasses of beer, and when they had drunk it he laid his dime upon the counter. "Wot's eatin' you?" said the bartender. "They is two for. Cough up some more right away once." "See here," said Mr. Simmons, "beer is 5 cents a glass everywheres. Don't you take me for no country jay." Captain Clancy whispered that they had better pay what was asked than get into a difficulty. "It seems a rough sort of place," he said, "and you must remember it won't do to endanger ourselves while we have our money about us. Let me pay the 15 cents additional." "No, you don't," said Mr. Simmons. "I guess when I treat I foot the whole bill." He went down into the carpet bag again and brought forth three more nickels. Just then an orchestra near at hand struck up in a lively air, and Mr. Simmons turned to look whence it came. The bartender winked at Captain Clancy and said softly: "Struck it rich, eh, Jimmy, old boy?" "Think it will pay," said the captain, as softly, closing his left eye at the bartender. "Say," said Mr. Simmons, "whatever have you got in there?" pointing in the direction of the music. "Finest high-class musical and dramatic entertainment in the South," said the bartender. "Refined and elevatin' specialties by distinguished artists. Walk in, gents." "It's a play show, by gum," said Mr. Simmons. "Shall we go in?" "I don't like the looks of the place much," said Captain Clancy, "but let's have a look at it, anyhow, to pass away the time; let's see, it's just half past ten; we can look on a while and then go up to the hotel and get to bed by eleven-thirty. Let me pay for tickets." "All right," said Mr. Simmons, "I paid for the beer." The bartender pointed out the way through a little hallway, where they entered another door and found a very glib gentleman who persuaded them to buy tickets that admitted them upstairs. They ascended and found themselves in the family circle of a little theater. There were about twenty or thirty men and boys scattered about among the seats, and the performance seemed quite well under way. On the stage a very exaggerated Irishman was chasing a very exaggerated negro with an ax, while a soubrettish young lady dressed in a ruffle and blue tights stood upon a barrel and screamed something in a high, cracked voice. * * * * *