horses. Ursus and Homo took charge of each other.

Dea, being used to the Green Box, came and went in the interior of the

wheeled house, with almost as much ease and certainty as those who saw.

The eye which could penetrate within this structure and its internal

arrangements might have perceived in a corner, fastened to the planks,

and immovable on its four wheels, the old hut of Ursus, placed on

half-pay, allowed to rust, and from thenceforth dispensed the labour of

rolling as Ursus was relieved from the labour of drawing it.

This hut, in a corner at the back, to the right of the door, served as

bedchamber and dressing-room to Ursus and Gwynplaine. It now contained

two beds. In the opposite corner was the kitchen.

The arrangement of a vessel was not more precise and concise than that

of the interior of the Green Box. Everything within it was in its

place--arranged, foreseen, and intended.

The caravan was divided into three compartments, partitioned from each

other. These communicated by open spaces without doors. A piece of stuff

fell over them, and answered the purpose of concealment. The compartment

behind belonged to the men, the compartment in front to the women; the

compartment in the middle, separating the two sexes, was the stage. The

instruments of the orchestra and the properties were kept in the

kitchen. A loft under the arch of the roof contained the scenes, and on

opening a trap-door lamps appeared, producing wonders of light.

440

The Man Who Laughs