“This morning. I don’t know but I may say that I am running away from him, as I left without his knowledge or permission, but as he is not yet my legal guardian, I don’t consider that he has any right to interfere with me.”
“You haven’t told me your name yet.”
“My name is Harry Vane.”
“I am the Magician of Madagascar. You may have heard of me.”
“I don’t think I have,” said Harry, puzzled.
“I have been before the public many years,” he said. “I give magical entertainments, and, in the course of the last twenty years, have traveled all over the continent.”
“You see,” explained Harry, apologetically, “I have always lived in a small country town, where there were few amusements, and so I know very little of such things. I never saw a magical entertainment in my life.”
“Didn’t you, indeed? Then you shall see me perform to-night. I am to give a magical soiree in Conway, the town we are coming to.”
“I should like it very much, Mr. ——” and Harry paused in doubt.
“I am called Professor Hemenway—Hiram Hemenway,” said the magician.