56 BRAGGADOCIO.

*¢ All the world acknowledge that the Ame-
rican eagle is the noblest of living birds. No
body shall dispute that in my presence.”

“T might as well maintain that the English
lion is the noblest of animals, because he is on
our national coat of arms,” replied the stranger.

‘But you have no lions in England; and
we have eagles—the great bald eagle, the
Washington eagle, and a host of others; be-
sides our national eagle.”

Just then the band of music struck up a
lively air, and the visitors were called to see
a jig danced by the fat boy and the girl with
six-fingered hands and six-toed feet.

George fixed his glass in his eye, and stood
at a short distance from the crowd, holding his
hat and cane in the most elegant manner.

While he thus stood motionless, a sailor
came along, with a young girl leaning upon
his arm.

“Sally,” said the sailor, “look at that wax
figur’ of a dandy. Now, doesn’t it beat all
natur’. I despise the critturs. Even in wax,
I can’t bear the sight of a York dandy. No
monkey ever made me half so provoked.”