[figure description] Page 145.[end figure description]

Old Roger was at the concert one evening, and as he
sat awaiting the commencement of the performances in a
slip where there was room for one more, a gentleman
came along, and tapping him on the shoulder told him in
a whisper that he should like to pass inside of him.
Old Roger looked at the stranger a moment; he was a
large man, very large.

“Upon my word, sir,” said the old fellow, “I don't
think you can, for I have just eaten a hearty supper, and
from appearances I should judge that you would n't sit
well on my stomach.”

This was said loud enough for people in the adjacent
seats to hear, and in an instant eleven double spy-glasses
were levelled at him. The gentleman looked very red
at first.

“I mean,” said he, pointing to the vacant seat, “will
you allow me to pass by you to that seat?”

“Certainly, sir,” said Old Roger gravely, “and I am
rejoiced to find that your request is so much more passable
than I first regarded it.”

The stranger immediately tendered Old Roger his hat,
which he magnanimously declined receiving.

p677-163

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