University of Virginia Library

19. CHAPTER XIX.
THE VENTRILOQUIST.

The boys went into the public room of the tavern.

"The magician isn't here,'' said Harry.

"Hush, he is here!'' said Frank, in a low voice, as the door opened, and a tall, portly man entered the room.

Professor Henderson—for it was he walked up to the bar. Then he glanced leisurely round the apartment. Finally his eyes rested on Harry and his companion. Apparently his attention was fixed by our hero, for he walked up to him, and said:

"Young man, I would like to speak to you.''

"All right, sir,'' said Harry, in surprise.

"If you are not otherwise occupied, will you accompany me to my room?''

"Certainly, sir,'' returned Harry, in fresh wonder, which, it is needless to say, was shared by Frank Heath.

"Sit down,'' said the magician; and he seated himself in a chair, waving Harry to another.

"I'll tell you at once what I want of you. If you are not occupied, I want you to take tickets at the door of the hall tonight. Can you do it?''

"Yes, sir,'' said Harry, promptly.

"It seems easy enough,'' said the professor; "but not every one can do it rapidly without making mistakes. Are you quick at figures?''

"I am usually considered so,'' said our hero. "I always liked arithmetic.''

"I won't ask you whether you are honest, for you would say so, of course. I judge from your face, which is an honest one. I have traveled a good deal, and I am a good judge of faces, I flatter myself.''

"You shall not be disappointed, sir.''

"I know that, in advance. Now, tell me if you are at work, or do you attend school?''

"I have been at work in a shoeshop in this village, sir.''

"I'll take you in my employ if you have no objection to travel.''

Objection to travel. Who ever heard of a boy of fifteen who had an objection to travel?

"But will your parents consent? That is the next question.''

"My father consented to have me leave home, as there was nothing to do there, and he will have no objection to my earning my living in any honest way.''

"Well, my young friend, I can assure you that my way is an honest one, though I frankly confess I do

my best to deceive the people who come to my entertainments.''

"What is it you want me to do, sir?''

"Partly what you are going to do to-night—take tickets at the door; but that is not all. I have to carry about considerable apparatus, and I need help about arranging it. Sometimes, also, I need help in my experiments.''

"Do you think I am old enough, sir?'' asked Harry.

"How old are you?''

"Fifteen.''

Harry's fifteenth birthday had recently passed.

"I have no doubt you will answer my purpose. There is nothing very hard to do.''

"How much pay do you give, sir?''

"A practical question,'' said the professor, smiling. "To begin with, of course I pay traveling expenses, and I can offer you five dollars a week besides. Will that be satisfactory?''

"Yes, sir,'' said Harry, his heart giving a great throb of exultation.

"Can you get ready to start with me to-morrow morning?''

"Yes, sir.''

"Then it is settled. Be here at ten o'clock. But it is time you were at the hall. I will give you a supply of small bills and change, as you may have to change some bills.''

"This wallet contains twenty dollars,'' he said.

"Of course you will bring me back that amount, in addition to what you take at the door this evening.''

"Very well, sir.''

When Frank Heath and his companion went over

to the Town Hall they found Harry busily engaged in making change.

"Hello, Walton!'' said Frank. "Are you treasurer of this concern?''

"It seems so,'' said Harry.

"You'll let in your friends for nothing, won't you?''

"Not much,'' said Harry. "I charge them double price.''

"Well, here's your money.''

Harry was kept busy till ten minutes after eight. By that time about all who intended to be present were in the hall, and the magician was gratified by seeing that it was crowded.

"Ladies and gentlemen,'' he began, "let me thank you before I commence for your large attendance this evening. I assure you, apart from its effect upon my purse, I am truly gratified to find my efforts to amuse you so kindly welcomed. Without further preface, I will proceed to the business of the evening.''