“'I don't know but I should,' said Mr. Tubbs mournfully. 'I don't see what gives me such an appetite. I'm hungry now.'
“'Hungry, after you've eaten enough for six!' exclaimed his wife, aghast. 'Well, I never!'
“'Then you won't let me stay, Mary?'
“'No, no.'
“With slow and sad strides Thomas Tubbs left the house. The world seemed dark enough to the poor fellow. Not only was he disowned by his wife and children, but he could not tell how he should ever earn enough to keep him alive, with the frightful appetite which he now possessed. 'I don't know,' he thought, 'but the best way is to drown myself at once.' So he walked to the river, but found it was not deep enough to drown him.
“As he emerged from the river uncomfortably wet, he saw a man timidly approaching him. It proved to be the manager of the show.
“'Hello!' said he hesitatingly.
“'Hello!' returned Tubbs disconsolately.
“'Would you like to enter into a business engagement with me?'
“'Of what sort?' asked Tubbs, brightening up.