Von Barwig paused, then drew a long deep breath and nodded affirmatively.
"You'll be fine—fine," said he of the big voice. "I can see it in your eye; you ain't one of them smart felleys."
He grabbed the hand of his new attraction and shook it heartily. "Say, George," he roared, "come here! This is the new night professor."
George, the young man who was beating the drum, ceased that occupation and came over to the showman and Von Barwig.
"What's your name?" the showman suddenly asked Von Barwig.
"Anton Von Barwig," came the reply in a low tone.
"Well, Anton, my name is Costello, Al Costello." Then with dignity, "Professor Anton, shake hands with George Pike—he's my assistant. This is the new night professor, George."
"Happy to meet you, professor," said that individual, grasping Von Barwig's hand and shaking it effusively. This hand-shaking process seemed a part of the theatrical trade.
"Say, George, take him inside and introduce him to the curios and just tell 'em from me that if they don't treat him better than they did the other night professor, by the eternal jumpin' Jerusalem, I'll fire the whole bunch!" With that Mr. Costello slapped Von Barwig on the back, and resumed his occupation of attracting public attention.
As George and Von Barwig passed the turnstile and went up the passage that led into the main hall, the huge voice outside continued to roar.