Just at this time the poor widow found a man who proved to be a friend in need. A Joseph Sedelmeyer from Dunstelkingen, Stuttgart, had just finished a tour through Russia with his two midgets, Prince Wolge and Wife, and his attention was drawn to this interesting child. He saw possibilities in this baby, and took complete charge of him. In return he gave the mother a mill and a large tract of land. He named the boy "Lionel," a name which he bears at the present time. Mr. Sedelmeyer took the baby to Dunstelkingen, and here he spent a happy care-free boyhood. At the age of six he was sent to school and reared in the Catholic faith. In the lovely spot of Wurtemburg the boy thrived. He mingled and played with the boys of his own age. When Lionel reached his twelfth year, Mr. Sedelmeyer, having contracted a five year engagement with the Barnum & Bailey Circus, took him to America. After the five year contract had expired, Lionel, at the age of 17 returned to Germany. He was engaged for the October Fair in Munchen. This was his first public appearance in Germany, and the result of this was remarkable. More than 200,000 people attended the "Lionel Exhibit." From this time until the year 1912, his following was enormous in cities of Germany. The year of 1912 was an unfortunate one for "Lionel." While smoking a cigarette, his hair caught fire, and he was so badly burned, that he was forced to go into seclusion for a year.