The San Francisco call., 1913-09-16

ga TO, / draw the line at the
EiffeI Tower declared War
ren vehemently. You've
dragged me around on a rubber neck
wagon, and to most of the tourists
haunts but I'll be switched IL L go
up that tower"
Helen looked crestfalIen. Il
thought every one went there"
Then wen distinguish ourselves
by not going. We've only got q few
more evenings ana we're going to
spend 'em seeing things worth while.
How about the Magic city? Like to
go there tonight?~
But / thought YOU said Friday was
the night for that"
Yes. Fridays the big night. but If
we sail Saturday we'l not want to be
up late. II we go at all we'd better
go now
They had just finished their dinner
in rather smart French restaurant
on the Boulevard capucines. A few
moments later they were on bus
marked The Magic city.
The day had been close and hot.
and now the night air seemed re-
freshingly cool Soon they were
speeding across the Seine, the dark
waters rejecting the lights of the
bridge in long. golden streaks. Be-
yond was great mass Of illumina-
tion-the Magic city.
Even from a distance Helen could
see outlined by the lights the Ferris
wheels and scenic railways which
made it look like Coney island.
AS they left the bus and walked
UP the hill toward the glittering en-
trance they could hear the clash of a.
brass band. mingled with the grind
Ing music Of the carousels and the
shrieks Of the passenger on the
thrilling scenic roads.
VERY BEwILDERING
Inside the panorama was bewilder-
Ing and the crowd gay and noisy.
Before each sideshow stood a
barker" shouting in French the
wonders to be seen within. None of
the attractions were more than so
centimes-10 cents-but the marvels
of the painted signs that lured one to
enter! The astounding freaks. the
monstrosities that could be seen be-
hind those cheap Enclosures of can
vas and board for only a few sousl
Regular old fashioned sideshows," :"
declared Warren. pausing before a
highly colored Autograph OF a COW
with five legs. This is the sort of
thing that used to travel with Bar
nuns circus Just about 10 years
behind the times over here"
Before the next attraction stood =
girl il pink tights, with bright
green satin sash and two writhing
serpents around her waist By her
stood a swarthy. thick set man ex-
tolling the marvels Of the show.
Warren. who seemed In the mood
to take IN everything" bought the
tickets. But Helen. who hated and
feared snakes, entered reluctantly.
The whole show" consisted only
OF a boarded in inclosure which held
a number of snakes, a tired looking
monkey, and 'monstrous turtle. The
only arrangement for viewing this
menagerie was TO stand around the
board fence and look over.
THE PERFORMANCE
Suddenly the girl in the pink
tights came in from outside, leaped
over the boards, and the perform
ance" began
Gathering up Dozen or more of
the snakes, she hung them around
her neck Then she called TO the
monkey, who had been sitting de-
jeetedly on the back of the turtle,
lie limped over wearily and submitted
to having the rest of the wriggling
snakes wound around him.
Helen was filed with revulsion for
the performance and with pity for
the pathetic little monkey.
Not very inspiring spectacle"
agreed Warren. Come on, let's see
what's next"
They strolled on by several small
side shows and stands Of tawdry
trinkets candy and popcorn. Even
Helen could see that everything
showed the cheapest and nimsiest
construction.
They're afraid to spend money
over here. that's what's the matter"
denounced Warren. ANY good sized