Three months later the showman again appeared at Sidmouth, but did not set up his box as usual.

Leaving it at his lodging, he went at once with his grandchild to Mrs.Walsham's.
"I have come, madam," he said after the first inquiries about the child had been answered, "on a particular business.

It will seem a strange thing to you for a man like me to ask, but things are not quite as they seem, though I can't explain it now.

But I am beating about the bush, and not getting any nearer.

I have come to ask, madam, whether you would take charge of the child for two years.