In the seedier parts of the more reputable districts of the great city of —–, there is a sign. The sign shows a dancing bear dressed in the manner of a ballerina, and some account the public house to which it is attached is one of the oldest and finest in —– . The public house is run by a man of the name of Phineas, a large, barrel-chested man with a firm grip and a firm manner. While Phineas' beautiful daughter, Sally, sees to the customers in the taproom, Phineas himself is accustomed to treating with rather more distinguished guests in the upper rooms.