The hotel clerk was friendly, and agreed to look after Joe’s valise while our hero had breakfast. Joe indulged in a good wash and ate a hearty meal.
On inquiry at the hotel desk when he claimed his satchel, he found that the professor was going to give a performance that night. The clerk did not know where Professor Rosello was staying, but Joe thought he could find out by inquiring at the Opera House, as the local amusement place was called.
As Joe made his way thither he saw, posted in various parts of the town, large announcements of the “world-wide famous and renowned magician, prestidigitator and sleight-of-hand artist, Professor Alonzo Rosello.”
“He’s the one I’m looking for all right,” thought Joe. “Now to see what’s doing.”
He inquired his way to the Opera House and entered the lobby. There was no one in the ticket office, for it was early yet.
A woman was scrubbing the oilcloth on the floor of the entrance.
“Is Professor Rosello about?” asked Joe.
“Who’s he?” inquired the woman, who appeared to be slightly deaf, if her loud tones counted for anything.
“He’s the prestidigitator—the magician——”
The old woman shook her head.