"Well you're a wonder," exclaimed the miner. "I'd like to take lessons off you."
"I can impart the secrets to only those of the inner circle," said the professor, with an air of great wisdom. "But I am allowed to show those who appreciate my doings some of the workings of my art. Perhaps you would like to see a little more of what I am able to do."
"I sure would," replied Mr. Post.
"What I am about to do," Professor Punjab went on, "is so remarkable that I am allowed to show it to but one person at a time. Therefore I invite you, Mr. Post, into the smoking compartment with me. Later I will be glad to show my young friends, one at a time."
"Not any for mine," muttered Jack, as the miner, who was much interested in what he had seen, followed the fakir to the compartment he had recently left.
"I wonder what he's up to," said Nat, when the two were out of hearing.
"Something crooked, on the professor's part, you can make up your mind," Jack answered.
"Let's find out what it is," suggested Nat.
"How?" inquired Jack.
"I think I can manage it," put in John Smith. "I have very good hearing, and I can move around easily. Suppose I go and hide near the compartment. Maybe I can hear what they say."