Part 21 (1/2)
”The more the better,” he muttered to himself. ”Won't somebody be knocked out when they learn the truth!”
CHAPTER XV.-AN ACT NOT ON THE BILLS.
The performance had been going on for half an hour. Leo had done some very clever acts and been well received, and now it was time for Carl to make his bow.
The little orchestra struck up a grand flourish, and suddenly the young magician bounded upon the stage, bringing with him a small, square box.
He came down to the front, made a bow and threw the square box into the air. Down it came into his hands, and as he whirled around on his heel the box disappeared from view.
”My, look at that!”
”Where did that box go to?”
”Must have gone up in smoke.”
Such were some of the remarks pa.s.sed.
The trick was a decidedly clever one, yet as simple as could be when explained.
True to our promise, we will let our readers into the secret.
The box consisted of nothing but six perfectly square and thin boards, all hinged together in such a manner that it would collapse into a perfectly flat ma.s.s when pressed on any two sides. With a little study any boy can make such a box.
As the box entered Carl's hands he flattened it, and, as he whirled around, he slipped it into the bosom of his costume.
This trick performed, the young magician brought out several other tricks and then began to juggle ten teacups, throwing them over his head and under his arms. There was a perfect stream of teacups in the air, and not a one was so much as cracked.
”He's certainly clever-handed!”
”He's the best part of the show!”
Hearty hand-clapping followed, and then Carl threw the teacups to Leo, in the wings, and started to do a great balancing act on four chairs.
He had just arranged the chairs in position when he heard a commotion in the wings.
”I say the hall ain't paid for, and the show can't go on!” he heard, in the angry tones of the theater owner.
”Where is Wampole?” several asked.
”I can't find him.”
”He was taking the money at the box-office.”
”Well, he's not there now.”
”He must be somewhere around.”
”I'll give you five minutes to produce him. If you can't, out go the lights.”