Joe and the man swathed in bandages looked at one another and a semblance of a wink passed between them.
"Nobody can eat fire, lady," said the museum performer. "It's all a trick, same as some your husband does in the circus."
Joe blushed almost as much as did Helen.
"We're not married yet, but we're going to be," explained Joe, smiling.
"Lucky guy!" murmured the man. "Well, as I was saying, it's all a trick," he went on. "Strong alum solution in your mouth, just a dash of alcohol to make a blaze that flares up but goes out quickly if you smother it right. You know the game," and he looked at Joe.
"Well, not exactly," was the reply. "I've read something of it. But, somehow, it never appealed to me."
"Oh, it makes a good act, friend!" said the man earnestly. "I've done a lot of museum and circus stunts, and this always goes big. There's no danger if you handle it right. I'll be more careful next time."
"You don't mean to say you'll go back to it, do you?" asked Helen.
"Sure, lady! I've got to earn my living! And this is the best thing I know. I'll be out in a week. I didn't swallow any, thank goodness! Oh, sure I'll go at it again."
Joe and Helen cheered the sufferer up as much as they could, and then departed. Joe privately left a bill of substantial denomination with the superintendent to be used for anything extra the patient might need.