He ceased. Great PUNCHIUS rubbed his eagle beak. And said, "I think we'll take the rest next week!" * * * * * [Illustration: _Experienced Sportsman_ (_on Pony_). "WELL--HAD GOOD SPORT, FRED, OLD BOY?" _Inexperienced Fred_. "NOT EXACTLY 'GOOD,'--BUT I THINK I'VE LET OFF ABOUT A HUNDRED CARTRIDGES." _Experienced Sportsman_. "NOT SO BAD. S'POSE YOU MUST HAVE 'LET OFF' AN EQUAL NUMBER OF PARTRIDGES!"] * * * * * IN A GHOST-SHOW. _Warlock's "Celebrated Ghost-Exhibition and Deceptio Visus" has pitched its tent for the night on a Village Green, and the thrilling Drama of "Maria Martin, or, The Murder in the Red Barn, in three long Acts, with unrivalled Spectral Effects and Illusions," is about to begin. The Dramatis Personae are on the platform outside; the venerable Mr. MARTIN is exhorting the crowd to step up and witness his domestic tragedy, while the injured MARIA, is taking the twopences at the door; WILLIAM CORDER is finishing a pipe, and two of the Angelic Visions are dancing, in blue velveteen and silver braid, to the appropriate air of "The Bogie Man."_ INSIDE. _The front benches are occupied by Rustic Youths, who beguile the tedium of waiting by smoking short clays, and trying to pull off one another's caps._ _First Youth_ (_examining the decorative Shakspearian panels on the proscenium._) They three old wimmin be a-pokin' o' that old nipper, 'ooever he be. [_The "old nipper" in question is, of course, MACBETH._ _Second Youth._ Luk up at that 'un tother side--it's a Gineral's gho-ast a-frightenin' th' undertaker (_A subject from "Hamlet"_) They've gi'en over dancin' outside--they'll be beginning soon. (_The company descend the steps, and pass behind the scenes._) We shall see proper 'ere, we shall. [_The Curtain draws up, and reveals a small stage, with an inclined sheet of glass in a heavy frame in front; behind this glass is the Cottage Home of MARIA MARTIN._ _Maria_ (_coming out of Cottage, and speaking in an inaudible tone_). At last--WILLIAM CORDER--to make me his wife--I know not why--strange misgiving 'as come over me. [Illustration: "They catch one another's wrists, and walk up and down together."] [_She is unfeelingly requested to speak up._ _William Corder_ (_whose villany is suggested at once by his wearing a heavy silver double watch-chain, with two coins appended, and no neck-tie--enters left_). Yes, MARIA, as I have promised, I will take you to London, and make you my wife--but first meet me in disguise to-night, and in secret, at the Red Barn.