The man arrived in the neighborhood one morning and inquired after a certain preacher's residence. It seems that the preacher's wife was noted for her compassion and goodly works.
Upon finding the house, the man adopted a thoroughly pitiful expression and began his discourse,
"Madam," said he in a broken voice, "I wish to draw your attention to the terrible plight of a poor family in this district. The father is dead, the mother is too ill to work and the nine children are starving. They are about to be turned into the cold, empty streets unless someone pays their rent, which amounts to $400."
"Mighty terrible," exclaimed the preacher's wife. "May I ask who you are and what is your relation to this poor family?"
The sympathetic visitor applied his handkerchief to his eyes and sobbed,
"I'm the landlord ..."