sewn on the curtains, as you see in the illustration, right across
the top, and from the extreme top corner of the curtain, slantingwise
across to the middle.

The top rings are passed along the curtain-pole, a string (marked in
the illustration A1) is sewn on to the curtain, and threaded through
the rings until it reaches A2. It is then threaded through the rings
on the pole until it reaches A3, when it is allowed to fall loose.

The same arrangement is gone through with string B. The bottom of the
curtain must be weighted with shot, or any other weights that may be
convenient.

When the curtain is to be raised, the stage manager and his assistant
stand on each side of the stage with the strings ready in their hands,
and at a given signal--the ringing of a bell is the usual sign that
all is ready--they each pull a string, and the curtains glide to each
side, and may be fixed to hooks, put up on purpose.

When the curtain is to fall, the two in charge of it must simply
loosen the strings and let them go, and the weights cause the curtains
to fall to the center.

All sorts of useful and ornamental "properties" may be made at home
for a very small cost. Cardboard, and gold and silver paper, and glue
go a long way toward making a good show.

Swords, crowns, belts, gold-spangled and gold-bordered robes can be
made from these useful materials, and look first-rate at a distance.