When left an orphan Carl had been placed under the care of a well-known conjuror, who had taught the youth many of the finest stage tricks ever performed. A number of these wonderful tricks will be mentioned and explained as our story progresses.
After the conjuror had had Carl under his care for four years the man had been called to Germany. He had left the youth with Nathan Wampole, who had agreed to give him a good position in his traveling company.
It did not take Carl and Leo long to shed their street costume and don their stage dress. This done they began to practice several new “turns” for the stage.
Outside of the small theater a “barker” was collecting quite a good-sized crowd.
“Walk up, ladies and gentlemen! The show is just about to begin. Nowhere on the face of the earth can you get so much for your money as right here! Remember, it costs you but half or quarter of a dollar to see our great company of sixty high-priced and talented artists! Walk up and get your tickets without delay!”
The barker succeeded in getting several scores of people to enter the building. Nathan Wampole was in the box-office, taking the money for the tickets. He smiled as the cash came in.
“The more the better,” he muttered to himself. “Won’t somebody be knocked out when they learn the truth!”
CHAPTER XV.—AN ACT NOT ON THE BILLS.
The performance had been going on for half an hour. Leo had done some very clever acts and been well received, and now it was time for Carl to make his bow.
The little orchestra struck up a grand flourish, and suddenly the young magician bounded upon the stage, bringing with him a small, square box.