AT GIBRALTAR EN ROUTE 19 



The trio performed some stick-like gestures, and sang 

 a few bars one behind the other. 



" Try and make yourselves heard beyond the foot- 

 lights, and it wouldn't be a bad idea to sing in tune just 

 now and again, if only to give the audience an inkling 

 that there is a tune somewhere. You can put your 

 hands down now. You will have to think up a few 

 things for yourselves, you know ; I cannot act the 

 entire concern." 



" What we want is more life, what the French call 

 verve," put in a portly dame of majestic presence. " I 

 suggest interpolating a skirt dance here." 



" Anything else you would advise. Lady Brandreth?" 

 inquired Major Abdy, in tones of rising sarcasm. 



" Now that is the right spirit, q-u-i-t-e the right 

 spirit ! It is much better to know at once where the 

 fault lies. As a spectator I can place my finger on it. 

 The comedy lacks novelty. What do you say to an 

 interlude after the style of Cinquevalli ? The Mess 

 Bombardier is an adept." 



" A kind of Barnum's," said the Major bitterly. 

 " Why not drop the musical comedy, and run a 

 variety show ? There isn't a voice among the lot ! 

 No "—brutally—" not one." 



" What, sir," said Mrs. Stacy, bridling, " and I 

 practise four hours a day." 



" That, madam," shouted the long-suffering man, 

 " is probably the reason why the only house to let in 

 all Gibraltar is next your own. Arrange your own 

 parts ! I throw it up." And before the astonished- 

 into-attention-groups realized it the Major had gone. 



