AT THE FAIR. 



2 37 



amongst the earliest arrivals Little Big 

 Breeches pricks up his ears at the sound of a 

 penny trumpet, and executes a saraband of 

 delight which would do your hearts good to 

 witness. And then at the dirty entrance what a 

 brave show was spread for us both ! The eyes 

 of Big Breeches glistened with pleasure at the 

 row of tents, the canvas and shed street of toys 

 shining in the sun, the gingerbread coated 

 with tinsel dazzling to look upon, the gay red 

 flags, and the various notes of preparation for 

 the fun in store for us. Big Breeches felt for 

 his tuppence, but wasn't going to spend it in a 

 hurry. He knew better than that. He took 

 his fill of staring, and began to think of all the 

 things he would like to have. Several young 

 gentlemen of the same order and age were 

 similarly engaged, and manfully resisted the 

 temptations of the booth-keepers to lay out 

 their capital on whistles and drums, or cakes. 

 Once, indeed, I thought Big Breeches was 

 caught. A gambling apparatus was tempt- 

 ingly exhibited, arranged to suit his very 

 height, on which were placed sticks of shiny, 

 promising sweet stuff of various sizes. The 



