Chapter XXIII. The Ventriloquist

by Horatio Alger

　　The boys went into the public room of the tavern. In the centerwas a stove, around which were gathered a miscellaneous crowd, whohad assembled, as usual, to hear and talk over the news of the day.At the farther end of the room was a bar, where liquor and cigarswere sold. The walls of the room, which was rather low-studded,were ornamented by sundry notices and posters of different colors,with here and there an engraving of no great artistic excellence--onerepresenting a horse race, another a steamer of the Cunard Line,and still another, the Presidents of the United States groupedtogether, with Washington as the central figure."Have a cigar, Walton?" asked Frank Heath."No, thank you, Frank.""You haven't got so far along, hey?""I don't think it would do me any good," said Harry."Maybe not; but jolly comfortable on a cold night. The worst of itis, it's mighty expensive."Frank walked up to the bar and bought a ten-cent cigar. He returnedand sat down on a settee."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 the bar, and followedFrank Heath's example in the purchase of a cigar Then he glancedleisurely round the apartment. Apparently, his attention was fixedby our hero, for he walked up to him, and said: "Young man, I wouldlike to speak to you.""All right, sir," said Harry, in surprise."If you are not otherwise occupied, will you accompany me to myroom?""Certainly, sir," returned Harry, in fresh wonder."Perhaps he's going to take in Walton as partner," Frank Heathsuggested to Tom Frisbie."I wonder what he want anyway?" said Frisbie. "Why didn't he takeyou?""Because I'm too sharp," said Frank. "I should see through histricks."Meanwhile, Harry had entered the professor's chamber."Sit down," said the magician. "I'll tell you what I want of you.I want you to take tickets at the door of hall to-night. Can youdo it?""Yes, sir," said Harry, promptly."It seems easy enough," said the professor; "but not everyone cando it rapidly without making mistakes. Are you quick at figures?""I am usually considered so," said our hero."I won't ask whether you are honest, for you would so, of course.""I hope--" commenced Harry."I know what you are going to say; but there is no need of sayingit," interrupted the magician. "I judge from your face, which isan honest one. I have traveled about a good deal, and I am a goodjudge of faces.""You shall not be disappointed, sir.""I know that, in advance. Now, tell me if you are at work, or doyou attend school?""I have been at work in a shoe shop in this village, sir.""Not now?""No, sir; business is dull, and work has given out.""What are you going to do next?""Anything by which I can earn an honest living.""That's the way to talk. I'll take you into my employ, if you haveno objection to travel."Objection to travel! Who ever heard of a boy of fifteen who had anobjection to travel?"But will your parents consent? That is the next question. I don'twant to entice any boys away from home against their parents'consent.""My parents do not live here. They live farther north, in the townof Granton.""Granton? I never was there. Is it a large place?""No, sir, it is a very small place. My father consented to have meleave home and he will have no objection to my earning my livingin any honest way.""Well, my young friend, I can assure you that my way is an honestone, though I frankly confess I do my best to deceive the peoplewho 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 apparatusand I need help about arranging it. Sometimes, also, I need helpin my experiments. I had a young man with me; but he is taken downwith a fever and obliged to go home. It is not likely, as his helathis delicate, that he will care to resume his position. I must havesomebody in his place. I have no doubt you will answer my purpose.""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 offeryou five dollars a week besides. Will that be satisfactory?""Yes, sir," said Harry, his heart giving a great throb of exultationas he realized that his new business would give him two dollarsweek more than his work in the shop, besides being a good deal moreagreeable, since it would give him a chance to see a little of theworld."Can you start with me to-morrow morning?""Yes, sir.""Then it is settled. But it is time you were at the hall. I willgive you a supply of small bills and, change, as you may have tochange some bills."He drew from his side pocket a wallet, which he placed in the handsof our hero."This wallet contains twenty dollars," he said: "Of course youwill bring me back that amount, in addition to what you take atthe door this evening.""Very well, sir.""You can wait for me at the close of the evening, and hand me alltogether. Now go over to the hall, as the doors are to be open athalf past seven o'clock."When Frank Heath and his companion went over to the Town Hall theyfound Harry making change."Hello, Walton!" said Frank. "Are you the treasurer of this concern?""It seems so," said Harry.You'll let in your friends for nothing, won't you?""Not much. I charge them double price.""Well here's our money. I say, Tom, I wonder the old fellow didn'ttake me instead of Walton.""That's easily told. You don't look honest enough.""Oh, if it comes to that, he passed over you, too, Tom.""He wouldn't insult a gentleman of my dignity. Come on; there'sroom on the front seat."Harry was kept busy till ten minutes after eight. By that time aboutall who intended to be present were in the hall and the magicianwas gratified by seeing that it was crowded. He was already wellknown in the village, having been in the habit of visiting itevery for years and his reputation for dexterity, and especiallyfor ventriloquism, had called out this large audience.The professor's tricks excited great wonder in the younger spectators.I will only dwell slightly on his ventriloquism. When he came tothis part of the entertainment, he said: "Will any young gentlemanassist me?"Frank Heath immediately left his seat and took up his positionbeside the professor."Now, sir," said the professor, "I want to ask you a question ortwo. Will you answer me truly?"A gruff voice appeared to proceed from Frank's mouth, saying: "Yes,sir.""Are you married, sir?"Again the same gruff voice answered: "Yes, sir; I wish I wasn't;"to the great delight of the small boys."Indeed, sir! I hope your wife doesn't make it uncomfortable foryou.""She licks me," Frank appeared to answer."I am sorry. What does she lick you with?""With a broomstick."Frank looked foolish and there was a general laugh."I hope she doesn't treat you so badly very often, sir.""Yes, she does, every day," was the answer. "If she knowed I wasup here telling you, she'd beat me awful.""In that case, sir, I won't be cruel enough to keep you here anylonger. Take my advice, sir, and get a divorce.""So I will, by hokey!"And Frank, amid hearty laughter, resumed his seat, not having uttereda word, the professor being responsible for the whole conversation.