"So you're here looking for a shop, hey?" he exclaimed, turning to me. Hismanner was still pleasant enough, but much of his effusive cordialityhad vanished. But I sometimes was not to be cast down. "What's your line?"

"Scotch comedian," I said. "I----"

He raised his arm, and laughed.

"Stop right there--that's done the trick! You've exclaimed enough. Now,look here, my dear boy, don't be angry, but there's no use. We've hadScotch comedians here in London before, and they're no good to us. Iwish I could help you, but I really can't risk it."

"But you've not heard me sing," I said. "I'm different frae them yetalk of. Why not let me sing you a bit song and look at if ye'll not thinksae yersel?"

"I tell ye it's no use," he exclaimed, a little impatiently. "I know Whatmy audiences like and what they don't. That's why I keep my hall goingthese days."