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I kept the news of this purchase from my employer but not from my family. My father seriously objected. He repeatedly stated, "I will not have it, you have descended to the level of a mountebank, you will be traveling around the country in company with show people of low variety, including snake charmers, gamblers, race touts and others too numerous to mention." "But father, I need the money and besides I like the work."

Father explained at length that he could not permit me to drag the family name through such degradation. "Think of your mother, Son," This phase of the situation had never occurred to me and I therefore decided to use an assumed name. After considerable thought, I chose the name of Professor Don Carlos, and I proceeded with my business.

Father had much backing from my grandmother, the dear old soul, she attempted to dissuade me from my path of iniquity. After a very earnest lecture of thirty minutes or more, she concluded by saying, "Why you will be associating with outlaws and criminals, the business is downright degrading."

"Grandma, you have this all wrong, the business is not degrading, but definitely elevating."