[70] Joe's desire was to become a proprietor, and an eighth share, at his request, was disposed of to him by his brother-in-law, Mr. Hughes; nor was the purchase-money demanded at the time of sale: the object was, to invest Grimaldi with an interest in the theatre and to attach him to it more permanently: but so far from any loss having arisen, we find that on reference to the treasurer's books, the season of 1818 and the two following were profitable, and Joe participated in the benefits arising therefrom. The season of 1821 was attended by loss; but even then the deficit required from Grimaldi, by reason of his eighth share, was little more than ninety pounds; and in that instance Joe experienced the kindness of the family to which his early marriage had attached him. The loss referred to was rendered easy to him in its liquidation. Mr. Hughes's subsequent losses, as connected with Sadler's Wells Theatre, exceeded 5000_l._ [71] "Baron Munchausen; or, the Fountain of Love," first performed on December 26, 1818. Harlequin, Mr. Ellar; Clown, Mr. Grimaldi; Pantaloon, Mr. Norman; Columbine, Miss F. Dennett. CHAPTER XXII. 1818 to 1823. Profit and Loss--Appearance of his Son at Covent Garden--His last engagement at Sadler's Wells--Accommodation of the Giants in the Dublin Pavilion--Alarming state of his health--His engagement at the Coburg--The liberality of Mr. Harris--Rapid decay of Grimaldi's constitution, his great sufferings, and last performance at Covent Garden--He visits Cheltenham and Birmingham with great success--Colonel Berkeley, Mr. Charles Kemble, and Mr. Bunn. By his six weeks' excursion in 1818, Grimaldi cleared 682_l._ 12_s._ but the disastrous result of the Sadler's Wells season, and the expenditure of ready money in the purchase of his shares, swallowed up nearly the whole of his gains in the provinces--so that notwithstanding his great success and the enormous sums he had so recently acquired, the autumn of 1818 found him still poor, and entirely dependent on his salary for support. He looked forward, however, to the next season at Sadler's Wells, in the hope that some success might repay a portion of the money he had already lost.