“Why, hello, Harry!” Joe ejaculated. “What in the world are you doing here?”
“I’m visiting my uncle who lives here. But I never expected to see you in a show like this. I never was so surprised as when you came out on the stage. I couldn’t believe my eyes.”
“Oh, I’ve been with the professor some time,” said Joe quickly. “Ever since I—er—I came away from home. But come back of the scenes after the show, Harry. I’d like to have a talk with you.”
“And I with you, Joe. I want to tell you I don’t believe what they are saying about you, either.”
“Saying about me, Harry?”
“Yes. I’ll tell you later.”
Joe was puzzled as he went on with the trick, and he eagerly awaited the advent of his chum behind the scenes after the show was over.
“What is it they’re saying about me, Harry?” asked the young wizard. “Do they blame me for leaving a home I couldn’t stand any longer?”
“Not that so much, Joe. But don’t you know you are accused of robbing Deacon Blackford and setting fire to his place?”
“What?” cried Joe. “You don’t mean that!”