t on the program, was unexpectedly not able to keep
his engagement. However, in his place we have secured the services of
Prof. Mahmoud Click, of Constantinople; astrologer, phrenologist,
mind-reader, and general all-round seer; and I am sure you will find him
no less instructive and entertaining."

Despite this assurance, in the silence which followed there was a
distinct note of disappointment, even displeasure. For it was obvious
that the flowery title of the substitute concealed some local amateur.

Disappointment, however, quickly gave place to a flutter of interest when
the rear door opened, and preceded by Jack Orr, there swept down the
aisle a tall, venerable figure in flowing robes; white-bearded,
spectacled, and crowned with a tall conical hat bearing strange
hieroglyphics.

When, on Jack stepping aside and taking an unobtrusive front seat, the
aged professor mounted the platform and solemnly surveyed his audience,
titters, then a burst of laughter swept over the school-room. The long
yellow robe was covered with grotesque caricatures of cats, frogs, dogs,
cranes and turtles, interspersed with great black question-marks.

The famed Oriental turned about toward a table, and the laughing broke
out afresh. In the center of his back was a large cat's-head, with
wonderfully squinting eyes. When the cat slowly closed one distorted
optic in a wink, then smiled, there was an unrestrained shout of
merriment, and those who were not excitedly inquiring of one another the
identity of the "seer," settled back in their seats expectantly.

Placing the table at the front of the platform, the professor again faced
the audience, and with dignified air, and deep, tragic voice, addressed
them.

"Ladees and gentlemans. Ze chairman have spoke. I am Mahmoud Click, ze
great seer, ze great mind-read, ze great bump-read, ze great profess.
(Laughter.) I am ze seventeen son, of ze seventeen son, of ze seventeen
son.

"An' also have I bring for do ze magic pass," thrusting a hand within his
robe, "Tom ze Terrible, ze son of Tom, ze son of Tom."

The hand reappeared, and placed on the table a tiny black kitten.

The burst of laughter which greeted this was renewed when the tiny animal
began making playful passes at a spool on a string which the dignified
professor held before it, remarking, "See? Ze magic pass.

"Now Tom ze Terrible will answer ze question, and show he onderstan' ze
Ingleesh," the magician announced, at the same