A few days later, when the show reached Blairstown, Bill Watson, a veteran clown, joined the troupe of fun-makers. He was made royally welcome, for his presence had been missed.
"Bill, I want to introduce to you a new friend of mine," said Helen, when she had the opportunity. "He's one of our newest and best performers, aside from you and me," she joked.
"What's the name?" asked jovial Bill, holding out his hand.
"Joe Strong."
"Been in the business long?"
"Not very. I was with Professor Rosello before I came here."
"Never heard of him," and Bill shook his head.
"He was a conjurer," explained Joe. "My father was, too. He was Professor Morretti, and my mother——"
"Was Madame Hortense. She was Janet Willoughby before her marriage," broke in Bill Watson, speaking calmly.
"What!" cried Joe. "Did you know her—them?"