`` Two against one is n't fair ! '' `` Thorny 's a match for 'em . '' `` Now he 's down , hurray ! '' cheered on the combatants , till , after a terrific struggle , the tyrant fell , and with convulsive twitchings of the scarlet legs , slowly expired while the ladies sociably fainted in each other 's arms , and the brothers waved their swords and shook hands over the corpse of their enemy . This piece was rapturously applauded , and all the performers had to appear and bow their thanks , led by the defunct Bluebeard , who mildly warned the excited audience that if they `` did n't look out the seats would break down , and then there 'd be a nice mess . '' Calmed by this fear they composed themselves , and waited with ardor for the next play , which promised to be a lively one , judging from the shrieks of laughter which came from behind the curtain . `` Sanch 's going to be in it , I know ; for I heard Ben say , ` Hold him still ; he wo n't bite , ' '' whispered Sam , longing to `` jounce up and down , so great was his satisfaction at the prospect , for the dog was considered the star of the company . `` I hope Bab will do something else , she is so funny . Was n't her dress elegant ? '' said Sally Folsum , burning to wear a long silk gown and a feather in her hair . `` I like Betty best , she 's so cunning , and she peeked out of the window just as if she really saw somebody coming , '' answered Liddy Peckham , privately resolving to tease mother for some pink roses before another Sunday came . Up went the curtain at last , and a voice announced `` A Tragedy in Three Tableaux . '' `` There 's Betty ! '' was the general exclamation , as the audience recognized a familiar face under the little red hood worn by the child who stood receiving a basket from Teacher , who made a nice mother with her finger up , as if telling the small messenger not to loiter by the way . `` I know what that is ! '' cried Sally ; `` it 's ` Mabel on Midsummer Day . ' The piece Miss Celia spoke ; do n't you know ? '' `` There is n't any sick baby , and Mabel had a ` kerchief pinned about her head . ' I say it 's Red Riding Hood , '' answered Liddy , who had begun to learn Mary Howitt 's pretty poem for her next piece , and knew all about it . The question was settled by the appearance of the wolf in the second scene , and such a wolf !
On few amateur stages do we find so natural an actor for that part , or so good a costume , for XXXXX was irresistibly droll in the gray wolf-skin which usually lay beside Miss Celia 's bed , now fitted over his back and fastened neatly down underneath , with his own face peeping out at one end , and the handsome tail bobbing gayly at the other .
Ben Day Liddy Mabel Peckham Red Sanch Tableaux Teacher second