_Mr. Hopl._ (_after ponderous consideration._) I find no difficulty in recognising it, myself. The difference you observe is due to the fact that the arena which was originally constructed for--er--displays of horsemanship requires to undergo some considerable--er--structural alterations before being equally well adapted to a performance in which--er--boating and swimming form the--er--principal features. _Miss Friv._ (_with exemplary gravity_). I see. You mean there must be _water_? _Mr. Hopl._ Water is undoubtedly an--er--indispensable element in such an exhibition. _Miss Friv._ How clever of you to know that! But perhaps someone told you? _Mr. Hopl._ (_modestly_). I arrived at it by the--er--light of my own unassisted intelligence. _Miss Friv._ Did you? Not _really_! "How far that little candle throws his beams!" (_To herself._) I didn't mean to be so rude as that! But he's no business to be such a bore! _Mr. Bravo_ (_after the Sculling-race between_ ROSS _and_ BUBEAR). That was a good race, eh? They're the champion scullers, you know. _Mr. Blazz._ Don't see the point of setting 'em to race _here_, though. Rather like running the Derby in a riding-school! _A Sympathetic Lady_ (_during the Swimming-race_). How well those girls do swim! I suppose they go under first, and then come up again. But how damp they must get, to be sure, doing that twice a day! I daresay they never get their hair properly dry from one week's end to another. I should think that must be so uncomfortable for them, you know. However, they seem to be having plenty of fun among themselves. I wish we could hear what they are saying; but there's so much to look at, that one misses most of it! [_A Pontoon is moved out into the centre of the Lake, and three "Rocky Mountain Wonders" give an entertainment on board. The first Wonder constructs the letter A with himself and two high ladders, up which the other two run nimbly. They meet at the top with mutual surprise, and a touch of resentment, as if each had expected at least to find solitude there. The Second Wonder lies down on his back resignedly, and the Third, meanly availing himself of the opportunity, stands on his friend's stomach, and strikes an attitude. Both descend and bow, in recognition of applause, and then each starts up his ladder again--only to meet once more at the top, more surprised and annoyed than ever. The Third Wonder refuses to be appeased unless he is allowed to hold the Second head downwards by the ankles. After further amenities of this kind they come down, apparently reconciled, and are towed back to the shore._ _Miss Friv._ Is that supposed to be an illustration of life on the Rocky Mountains? _Mr. Hopl._ (_bringing the full powers of his mind to bear on the subject_). I should be inclined to doubt myself whether it afforded any accurate idea of either the industry or the--er--relaxations peculiar to that region, which can hardly be favourable to such pursuits.