Howard R. Garis

“ He found the manager in charge of the freaks, and introducing himself, Larry started to ask if there was anything new that might make a story.
“Well, yes, here is a little item you might work in,” replied the manager, looking at Larry in what the reporter thought was a strange sort of way. “We've a romance on our hands.”
“A romance?”
“Yes, you see the living skeleton has gone and fallen in love with the fat woman.”
“Really?” asked Larry, thinking the manager might be trying to “string” him. ”

“ Mr. Emberg read it.
“You're doing all right!” he called to Larry. “It is as good a circus story as we've had in a long time. Keep it up.”
Larry told of everything in connection with the escape of Nero, and then began to describe the different scenes, including the way the Garden was being made ready for the crowds. By this time the first edition had gone to press.
“Take your time, now,” said the city editor. “We'll use the rest in the next edition.”
“I've got a good story about the freaks,” said Larry, and he began to tell of the mixed-up romance. ”

“ You see, the fat lady is smitten with the India rubber man, and the bearded lady has gone and fallen in love with the living skeleton, so you see, things are all mixed up. Come out into the freak room, and see for yourself.”
Wondering whether to believe the story or not, Larry followed the manager. He found the freaks all sitting in one corner of the Garden, on a sort of raised platform. ”