Billy was so bewildered by this that he leaned against a wall, or rather, he leaned on what looked like a wall. As the near astronomer helped him to his feet he said:
"Be careful of the near walls. They're just painted canvas, you know, and are not meant to lean against."
"Thank you," said Billy; "is there anything here that is not an imitation?"
"Oh, no!" answered the astronomer, "this is Shamville; but I assure you we're all just as good as the original."
"Well, I must be off," said Billy, "I must deliver this note to Bogie Man."
"To whom?"
"To Bogie Man. Can you tell me how to get there?"
"Oh, my goodness! Oh, my gracious! What have I done, what have I done?" cried the astronomer, beating himself over the head with his near telescope.
"I don't know sir, I'm sure," said Billy; "from what I've seen I shouldn't think you had ever done anything."