The Mil.  F. Saw CINQUEVALLI do something very like it at the Empire.  But he had a cannon-ball as well.

The Lady. Look at him now—­he’s making the gun revolve upside down with the bayonet on the palm of his hand!  Could you do that?

The M.F. Not without drilling a hole in myself.

The Lady. It really is wonderful that he shouldn’t feel the point, isn’t it now?

The M.F. Well, I don’t see much point in it myself—­but so long as it amuses him, I daresay it’s all right.

[The Captain discharges the gun in the air and retires at the double, feeling that his country’s safety is secure for the present.  JOHNNY BAKER, the young American Marksman, appears and exhibits his skill in shooting upside down.

The Rigid Matron. He missed one that time—­he’s not quite such a good shot as the girl was.

One of the Daughters. Oh, but, Mother, you forget!  Miss ANNIE OAKLEY didn’t stand on her—­

The R.M. (in an awful voice), I am perfectly aware of that, EUPHEMIA; so pray don’t make such unnecessary remarks!

    [EUPHEMIA subsides in confusion.

An Unsophisticated Spectator (as Master BAKER, after rubbing his forehead, discovers a brickbat under the mat where his head had been).  Now, how very odd!  He found a brick in exactly the same place when I was here before!  Someone must have a grudge against him, poor boy!  But he ought to look before he stands on his head, next time!

Mr. Timmerman (carelessly, to his wife, as the Deadwood Coach is introduced).  It would be rather fun to have a ride in the Coach—­new experience and all that.

Mrs. T. (who doesn’t intend him to go).  Oh, do be careful then.

Mr. T. (feeling quite the Daredevil).  Pooh, my dear, what is there to be careful about?

Mrs. T. It does look such a ramshackle old thing—­it might break down.  Accidents do happen so quickly.

Mr. T. (reflecting that they certainly do).  Oh, if it wasn’t perfectly safe, they wouldn’t—­

Mrs. T. Well, promise me if you go on the box to hold on tight round the corners, then!

Mr. T. (who doesn’t see much to hold on by).  I shan’t go on the box—­I shall go inside.

Mrs. T. There mayn’t be room.  There are several people waiting to go already.  You’ll have to make haste to get a seat at all.  I shall be miserable till I see you safe back again!

Mr. T. (who is not sure he doesn’t share her feelings).  Oh well, if you feel like that about it, I won’t—­

Mrs. T. Oh, yes, do, I want you to go—­it will be so exciting for you to see real Indians yelling and shooting all round.