"How do you like the boy?"

"He served me a good turn--for five dollars--but he would help capture
me for the same money, or less."

"You seem to know him."

"He is fond of money, and would do almost anything for it."

"You thank me for saving you from capture, my lad," continued the
magician. "Well, I had an object in it--a selfish object."

Harry looked puzzled.

"It struck me that I needed a boy about your size, and character, for
a general assistant, to sell tickets, take money, and help me on the
stage. How do you like the idea?"

"I like it," answered Harry; "but there is one objection."

"What is that?"

"I don't come from Madagascar," responded Harry, slyly.

Professor Hemenway laughed.

"You've been as near there as I have," he said. "Did you really think
I came from Madagascar?"

"You look more as if you came from Maine, sir."