"Now, let's see what these young gents can do to amuse us.

Maybe they know how to sing and dance." But Dick had sunk wearily to the ground, forcing his breath to come in rapid gasps.
"Get up there, younker," ordered the boss tramp.
"You've hurt me," moaned Dick, speaking the truth, though trying to convey a stronger impression than the facts would warrant.
"And we may hurt you more if you don't get cheerful and help make the evening pass pleasantly," sneered the boss tramp harshly.
"Wait till I---get so---I can get my breath---easier," begged Dick pantingly.
The boss turned to Darrin.
"Young fellow, wot can you do in the entertaining line ?" demanded the fellow leeringly.
"Nothing," Dave retorted sulkily.

"After you've kicked a fellow so that he's so sore he can scarcely move, do you expect him to do a vaudeville turn right away ?" "Get 'em on their feet," ordered the boss tramp.

"We'll show 'em a few things!" But Dick protested dolefully, sinking back to the ground as soon as the tramp who had hold of him showed a little compassion by letting go of his arm.
"Give me time, I tell you," Dick insisted in a weak voice.

"Don't try to kill us, on top of such a thrashing as you gave us." "Let go of me," urged Darry still speaking sulkily.