“I have been learning all along. Every now and then I add a new trick. I will teach you some.”
“I might leave you and set up on my own hook when I have learned,” suggested Harry, with a smile.
“It will be some time before you look old enough for a magician. When you are, I’ll give you my blessing and send you out.”
Meanwhile they had been jogging along, and were already in the main street of Conway. The professor drew up in front of the village hotel, and a groom came forward and took his horse.
“Wait a minute my friend,” said the professor. “Harry, you can help me take my implements out of the back of the wagon.”
These “implements” were of a heterogeneous character, but all would come in use in the evening. A number of boys watched their transfer with mingled awe and curiosity.
“What’s them?” Harry heard one ask another, in a half-whispered tone.
“Those,” said the professor, in an impressive tone, turning toward the boys. “Those are paraphernalia!”
The boys looked more awestruck than ever. All inwardly resolved to go to the Town Hall that evening, and get a nearer view of the articles which had such a grand name.
After a while Harry came downstairs from the room assigned him, and stood on the piazza.