But we will let our curious readers into the mystery. The way the trick was worked was as follows:
When Carl received the marked bullet back from Walter Raymond he substituted in its stead a similar-looking one made of amalgam of tinfoil and quicksilver. This bullet was rammed into the pistol so forcibly that it went to pieces beneath the paper. Even if it had not gone to pieces the firing of the weapon would have shattered it.
When Carl received the apple he split it partly open and dropped the marked bullet inside on the sly. The rest of the trick will now be readily understood.
The remarkable performance with the pistol and some additional acrobatic feats from Leo brought the entertainment to a close, and the two performers hurried to the house to get into their street dress.
“You must have dinner here before you leave,” said Walter Raymond as he paid them off. “It is but a slight return for killing that mad bulldog and saving the children.”
The performers were hungry, and readily accepted the invitation. While they were eating Walter Raymond sat close by.
“I wouldn’t mind knowing how to do some tricks,” he said. “It must be lots of fun.”
“Not so much when one performs for a living,” returned Carl. “To do tricks for your friends is amusing.”
“Can you show me some simple ones?” Walter pleaded.
Carl smiled.