Walter. We are willing to make the most solemn protestations of secrecy. Who’s to be the victim?
D. Joe Sherman.
H. Good! What’s the programme?
D. He is to have his fortune told. (The boys crowd around Dick.)
T. (eagerly). How is it to be done?
D. Perhaps you have learned that Madame Devineresse, the fortune-teller, is stopping at the Everett House. It wouldn’t be very difficult for her to flatter Joe into the belief that he was born for some great and glorious end.
W. He’s satisfied on that point, already.
D. But you don’t understand. We will give her some hints of what he will expect, and then can have the fun of listening to the whole performance, and be better prepared to enjoy his remarks about it afterward. I have had a little conversation with Madame Devineresse, and I feel sure she will consent to co-operate with us.
T. (excitedly). I’ll wager an inkstand that Dick’s already had his fortune told by madame.
H. That’s nothing strange. He has had it told by every fortune-teller that’s visited the town for the last two years.