“I am called Professor Hemenway--Hiram Hemenway,” said the magician. “Do you like your business?” asked Harry, curiously. “Why shouldn’t I? I have a chance to travel. The people appreciate my efforts and reward me generously.” By a fortunate accident Harry happened to turn in his seat and look through a small window in the back part of the wagon. What he saw startled him. In a buggy, ten rods back, he recognized his late guardian and Joel. They were making good speed, and were doubtless in pursuit of him. Harry quickly imparted his discovery to his companion. “Don’t let them capture me!” he said. “I should like to see him do it,” responded the professor. “Get into the back part of the wagon, and crouch down.” Harry did as directed. Then the professor slackened his speed, and allowed the pursuers to overtake him. “I say, stranger,” said Fox, as he drew up alongside. “A boy ran away from me this morning. Perhaps you have seen him?” “I saw a boy about a mile back,” said the magician, reflectively, “a stout, good-looking lad, dark-brown hair, and a pleasant expression; didn’t look at all like you. I chatted with him a while. He said he was leaving a man who claimed to be his guardian, but wasn’t.” “The young liar!” ejaculated Fox, wrathfully. “Where is he now?” “Is he in your wagon?” put in Joel, sharply. “If he were you’d see him, wouldn’t you?” “In behind you?” “Yes, are you kidnapping him?” demanded Fox, fiercely. “There is a boy in the back part of my wagon,” said the magician, coolly. “If you ain’t afraid of smallpox, you may see him. Which shall it be, you or the boy?” A pallid hue overspread the face of John Fox, which was increased by an agonizing moan, which appeared to proceed from behind the magician. “Turn the horse, Joel,” was all he said. He whipped up his horse without a word, and did not pull up for half a mile. “You can come out now, Harry,” said the professor, with a queer smile. “I am a ventriloquist, and that moan did the business.” CHAPTER VII A NEW ENGAGEMENT Harry was not a little relieved at his narrow escape. He did not propose to be taken captive without making a strong resistance; but still, in a struggle with Mr. Fox and Joel, he felt that he would be considerably at a disadvantage. “I am much obliged to you for saving me, Professor Hemenway,” he said. “You are quite welcome. So you didn’t like old Fox?” “Not much.” “He doesn’t appear to like you any better.” “There isn’t much love lost between us,” returned Harry, laughing. “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.