The plot, in describing the accident that had befallen the Bandit, idealized the genuine infirmities of the man,--infirmities that had befallen him since last seen in that village.

He was blind of one eye; he had become crippled; some malady of the trachea or larynx had seemingly broken up the once joyous key of the old pleasant voice.

He did not trust himself to speak, even on that stage, but silently bent his head to the rustic audience; and Vance, who was an habitual playgoer, saw in that simple salutation that the man was an artistic actor.

All was over, the audience streamed out, much affected, and talking one to the other.

It had not been at all like the ordinary stage exhibitions at a village fair.