Charles, who seldom left anything to chance, had already made an arrangement with the manager of the show to become his advertising agent.
Callender, who liked the boy immensely, readily consented and gave him the required money, thus embarking Charles on his first venture with any sort of capital.
Unfortunately, the show failed. Charles maintained that the Philadelphians lacked imagination, but with his usual optimism he was certain that it would succeed on the road. When he approached Callender again and offered to take it out on the road the minstrel magnate slapped him on the shoulder and said:
"All right, my boy. If you say so, I believe you. You can take the show out and I'll back you."
Charles counseled with Gustave, who continued as his theatrical monitor. Eagerly he said:
"I've got a great chance. Callender is going to back me on the road with the 'Ghost Show.'"
"No," said Gustave, firmly, "your time has not come. Wait, as I told you before, until you can go out ahead of a show as agent."
Bitter as was the ordeal, Charles took his brother's advice, and the "Ghost Show" was abandoned to its fate.
II
EARLY HARDSHIPS ON THE ROAD