"Take the blasted thing away!" snarled McGlory. "Don't get so careless with it."
"The snake's hypnotized," explained Burton. "When he swung it around his head he put it to sleep."
The Hindoo smiled; then, thrusting the head of the rigid snake under his turban, he pushed it up and up until all but the tip of the tail had disappeared under the headdress. After that, with a quick move, he snatched off the turban. The venomous cobra was found in a glittering coil on his head.
With both hands the Hindoo lifted the drowsy cobra from his head, dropped it into the basket, closed the lid, and pushed the peg into place.
"That's a pretty good show," remarked Burton, "but it's old as the hills. Where did you come from?"
"Chicago," replied the snake charmer. "I want a job with Burton Sahib."
"What's your name?"
"Dhondaram."
"There's not a thing I can give you to do in the big show," said Burton, "but maybe the side show could find a place for you. Snake charmers are side-show attractions, anyhow."
Dhondaram was giving most of his attention to Matt, although speaking with Burton.