idea of the
stout lady's sorrow.

"The midgets," inquired Von Barwig. "How is their health?"

"You couldn't kill 'em with an axe!" replied Costello.

"And 'eat 'em alive!' She is still eating 'em, eh?" inquired Von
Barwig with a slight smile.

"She does nothing _but_ eat! Ah! she gives me a pain; she's a
four-flush!" growled the Museum proprietor. "She don't make good!"

"Tell them, I have grown fond of them all, and I--part from them with
regret, deep regret! They have kind hearts. Ah, there are many kind
hearts in this world," and Von Barwig sighed deeply.

Costello looked at him and shook his head slowly: the man was touched.
That any one could express anything like affection or sentiment for the
poor creatures in his curiously assorted collection was a marvel to him.

"Put it there, profess'," he said, and held out his hand to Von Barwig.
"You're all right, profess'; you're all right, and your job is always
open for you, rain or shine, summer or winter! You can always come
back--good or bad biz--the job is yours for the askin'. There ain't
nobody that can touch you in your line; and you're all to the good at
that! Good-bye, profess'," and shaking Von Barwig's hand heartily the
big man went away, leaving the object of his praises standing alone,
deep in thought.

His reverie was interrupted by the sound of a slight scream. It was
Miss Husted. She had met Mr. Costello on the stairway, and that
gentleman had frightened her by playfully poking her in the ribs and
bursting into a loud laugh.

Von Barwig hastily put the water pitcher into his trunk.

"What a rude man!" declared Miss Husted, as she came into the room,
holding Skippy in one hand and a dish of hot steak and potatoes in the
other. "Well, professor--" she said with her sweetest smile, "if
Mahomet won't come to the breakfast, the breakfast must come to
Mahomet! There's some hot coffee downstairs, oh, I see you have some,"
she said, as she looked at the coffee pot on the stove; "come now, sit
down and eat!"

Von Barwig meekly obeyed her. In his excitement he had forgotten that
he had not tasted a mouthful that day. He did not know how hungry he
was until he sat down to the steaming hot coffee and the excellent
little steak and potatoes furnished by Miss Husted. If she furnished
the professor with food for the body, she also furnished him with food
for the mind, for the dear good lady talked, and talked, and talked.
Fortunately Von