“'Or what? asked the astonished tailor.
“'Or I will grant the first wish that may be formed in your mind. Now choose.'
“Thomas did not take long to choose. His charge would amount to but a few dollars, while he might wish for a million. He signified his decision.
“'Perhaps you have chosen wisely,' said his visitor. 'But mind that you are careful about your wish. You may wish for something you don't want.'
“'No fear of that,' said the tailor cheerfully.
“'At any rate, I will come this way six months hence, and should you then wish to be released from the consequences of your wish, and to receive instead the money stipulated as the price of the suit, I will give you the chance.'
“Of course, Thomas did not object, though he considered it rather a foolish proposition.
“His visitor disappeared, and the tailor was left alone. He laid aside his work. How could a man be expected to work who had only to wish, and he could come into possession of more than he could earn in a hundred or even a thousand years?
“'I might as well enjoy myself a little,' thought Mr. Tubbs. 'Let me see. I think there is a show in the village to-day. I'll go to it.'
“He accordingly slipped on his hat and went out, somewhat to the surprise of his wife, who concluded that her husband must be going out on business.