"No, sir, we have never met before, but your fame has reached our village; indeed, I may say, it has spread all over the country, and when I was told who you were I could not help coming up and telling you how much we all sympathize with you in your philanthropic efforts."
Mr. Barnum looked somewhat perplexed. He was not altogether certain whether his temperance lectures were referred to, or his career as manager of the Museum. He answered therefore rather vaguely, "I try to do something to make the world happier. I am very glad my efforts are appreciated."
"Yes, sir, you may be certain they are appreciated throughout the length and breadth of the land," said the other, fervently.
"You are very kind," said Barnum; "but I am afraid you will not get all to agree with you. There are some who do not view me so favorably."
"Of course. Such is always the fate of the philanthropist. There are some, no doubt, who decry you, but their calumnies are unavailable. 'Truth crashed to earth will rise again.' I need not continue the quotation."
"You are certainly very complimentary, Mr.——; perhaps you will oblige me with your name."
"Nathan Bedloe. I keep a seminary in the country. I have read the 'Tribune' for years, Mr. Greeley, and have found in your luminous editorials the most satisfactory exposition of the principles which I profess."
Mr. Barnum's eyes distended with astonishment as he caught the name Greeley, and his facial muscles twitched a little.
"How did you know me?" he asked.
"That newsboy pointed you out to me," said the other, indicating Rough and Ready, who was watching with interest the conversation between the two.