THE SCRIPTURAL PANORAMIST. 297- 



as it were — was a little foreign to the subject, you know — as if you didn't either 

 trump or follow suit, you understand ? ' 



"« Well, ho,' the fellow said ; 'he hadn't noticed; but it might be ;. he had 

 played along just as it came handy.' 



" So they put it up that the simple old dummy was to keep his eye on the pano- 

 rama after that, and as soon as a stunning picture was reeled out he was to fltr> 

 it to a dot with a piece of music that would help the audience to get the idea of' 

 the subject, and warm them up like a camp-meeting revival. That sort of thing 

 would corral their sympathies, the showmaii said. ■ ' 



"There was a big audience that night — mostly middle-aged and old people 

 who belong to the church, and took a strong interest in Bible matters, and the 

 balance were pretty much young bucks and heifers — they always come ou6 

 strong on panoramas, you know, because it gives them a chance to taste one 

 another's complexions in the dark. 



"Well, the showman began to swell himself up for his lecture, and the old 

 inud-dobber tackled the piano and ran his fingers up and down once or twice 

 to see that she was all. rights and the fellows behind the curtain, commenced to 

 grind out the panorama. The showman balanced his weight on his right foot? 

 and propped his hands over his hips, and flung his: eyes over his; shquld^r at 

 the scenery, and said— . . - 



"'Ladies and-gentlemen, the painting now before you illustrates the beautifui 

 aiid touching parable of the P.rodigal Son. Observe the happy expression just 

 breaking over the , features of the , poor, suffering youth-so worn and weary 

 With his long march; note also the ecstasy beaming from the Uplifted countp, 

 nance of the aged father, and the joy that sparkles in the eyeS of the, excited 

 group of youths and maidens, and seems ready to burst into the ^coming, 

 chorus from their lips. The lesson, my friends, is as solemn and instructive as 

 the storv is tender and beautiful.' 



"Themud-dobberwas all ready, and when the second speech was finished, , 



struck up— __ _ ^j^^ ^^,jj ^^^ g^j ^jjj^j ^^„„^_ ^ 



When Johnny comes marching- home . 



"Some Of the people giggled, and some groaned a little. The showman 



