W. C. Fields : his follies and fortunes (1949)

declared they would be glad to send him a weekly remittance if he'd put up guarantees never to return. Fields thanked them for coming and, as they filed out, shook hands with each and every one. He said afterward that the closing minutes had netted him two watches, a gold penknife, and fourteen dollars in change, but he later denied this. In any case, he took in, altogether, around a hundred dollars, which was the most money he had ever seen in his life. For 1893, ^ was a sensational benefit, and Fields discussed staying on a week longer and holding another, but the hostler said he didn't think it would be safe. The acquisition of sudden wealth made it possible for Fields to consider fancy costumes for his act. He went into several stores, to inspect different combinations, and finally decided to buy a new street outfit and cling to the tramp idea for juggling. Even though the ensemble he selected cost him eight dollars, he felt that he had picked up a bargain. It included a black-and-white checked suit, a pair of light tan shoes, and a gray derby of peculiarly low and rakish design. The secondhand clothing store in which he located these items was indifferently lighted, and when Fields came out he cleared up the continental aspect of the derby — it had apparently been sat on by some person of excessive tonnage. In another shop he bought an enormous piece of yellow luggage, and when he had gathered up his few other belongings, such as his cane, his tennis balls, his cigar boxes, and his hunting shirt, he left for Atlantic City, riding in a day coach and smoking a big black cigar. Philadelphia's loss, as he had hinted at the benefit, was the world's gain. A great comedian was on his way. When Fields reached Fortescue's Pier, which housed a beer garden and a restaurant, he searched out the Germans and made application for a job. Looking him over, the management was dubious. The boy was a colorful sight, but he seemed young for 4i