"I think——" began Joe, when there came a knock on the door of their hotel room.
"Telegram for Joe Strong!" called the voice of the bellboy.
CHAPTER IV
A CHANCE ENCOUNTER
Professor Rosello and Joe Strong looked at each other. It was not unusual for the magician to receive telegrams in reference to his professional engagements, but Joe up to now had never received one of the lightning messages which, to the most of us, are unusual occurrences.
"Are you sure it's for me?" Joe asked the boy, as he opened the door.
"It's got your name on it," was the answer. That seemed proof enough for any one.
"Maybe it's from your folks—the deacon," suggested the professor. "Something may have happened."
He really hoped there had not, but, in a way, he wanted to prepare Joe for a possible shock.