The magician started.
“Professor Morretti!” he murmured. “Are you his son?”
“Yes,” said Joe, simply.
Professor Rosello bowed as to an equal.
“My dear young man,” he said, “I am greatly interested in you—more so than before. If you are the true son of Professor Morretti, and if you have even a small part of his talents, I can predict for you a brilliant future. He was one of the greatest of us. I never met him, but it was something even to know him by reputation. I am indeed glad to meet his son—proud to have been saved by him.
“And to think I talked to you of years of preparation—that I had an idea of showing you a few simple tricks, just to discourage you! For I did not want you to learn by too bitter experience the sorrow of failure. And you are Professor Morretti’s son! I am proud to know you!”
CHAPTER VI
A FAMILY JAR
The meeting between Joe Strong and the magician had quite a different result from the one our young wizard had expected. He had not been sure that his father would be known, even by reputation, to Professor Rosello, and it was a source of pride and joy to Joe to see the esteem in which his parent was held.
“There was no more brilliant performer in the business,” said the magician. “His box trick is unrivalled to-day, and his mystery of the ringing bells, while it is done by several, including myself, lacks the brilliancy and smoothness which he gave it. I wish I had known him, but, failing in that, I am glad to know his son.”
“And I am glad to know you,” replied Joe. “It isn’t often I meet any one who appreciates the profession of a magician, or of a circus rider. My mother was that, you know.”