The snowflakes began to fall more thickly as we neared the magic shop. The signs were announcing someone called "The Amazing Stewie". As we drew closer, we could hear cheers from within, and quickly availed ourselves of tickets, so that we could find out what was going on. As we entered, Shibori gasped and pointed upward. There, high above our heads, was a small lithe woman dancing about on a pole, placed between two uprights afixed to the ground. We both stood open mouthed at the display of agility and daring, and at the bright green skin of the acrobat.

"I've heard there are beings called leprechauns in Ireland," I whispered to Shibori, "and that they're little green men. I think they're supposed to be magical, and bring good luck if you see one. Do you suppose this is a female of the species?"

Before my friend could answer, there were cheers from another corner of the room and the glad cry of "clowns!" Try as I might, I could not see them, but the general mirth that they apparently had brought to the crowd was infectious and I laughed aloud without having any idea what I might be laughing at.

"You know what Shibori? I'm getting awfully hungry. I passed some sort of chicken place yesterday when I arrived, and it smelled delicious. Would you like to try it?"