One evening, as Jack and Nat came back from a visit to police headquarters, they found John much excited. "I think I'm on the right track," he said. "How?" asked Jack. "Listen to this" John went on, holding up a newspaper, and he read: "Attention, all who suffer or are in distress. Professor Ali Baba, one of the descendants of the Forty Thieves, who has devoted his life to undoing the wrong they did, will give palm readings, star gazings, trance answers, locate the lost, and, by a method learned from an Indian Yogi, double your money. Readings one dollar up." "You're not going to be taken in by one of those foolish clairvoyants, are you?" asked Jack. "Not exactly," said John. "But if I am right I think this Professor Ali Baba is Hemp Smith, or Professor Punjab under another name." "What makes you think so?" inquired Nat. "Rip-snorting radiators! But if it should be!" "That last clause about doubling your money, by the Indian method leads me to believe it," said John. "That is how Punjab tried to rob Mr. Post. Now I'm going to try this and see what it amounts to." "But he'll know you as soon as he sees you," objected Nat. "Not the way I fix up," replied the Indian. The boys talked over the plan, and agreed it would do no harm for John to attend a seance of the professor, whose address was given in the advertisement. [Illutsration: Give me the card!--Page 177] John's best friend would hardly have known him as he sallied forth the next day. He wore the bandages on his head, which was cut by his fracas with the fake professor, and, in addition, he had tied one about his jaw, as though he had the toothache. He had no difficulty in finding the place. Outside the door was a sign reading: PROFESSOR ALI BABA. SCIENTIST. John was admitted by a rather slick individual, in a shining, greasy suit of black. "The professor is busy just now," he said. "He will see you soon. Meanwhile you had better give me a dollar, and state on which particular line you wish to consult him." John handed over a two dollar bill and said: "Tell him to make it extra strong. I have lost a valuable article." "I am sure he can find it for you," the sleek man said. "The professor has wonderful success." "Well he oughtn't to have much trouble finding this if he's the man I take him for," thought John. As yet he was all at sea. He wanted to get a glimpse of Professor Ali Baba. At last his turn came. Carefully keeping his face concealed, John was shown into a room gaudily decorated with tinsel and cheap hangings. "Who seeks the knowledge the stars alone possess?" asked a deep voice. Jack started. He recognized at once the tones of the recent Professor Punjab. An instant later he had a glimpse of the pretended astrologer's face and knew he could not be mistaken. "Draw near," said the fakir. "I know what thou seekest. It is that which thou hast lost, and it is more precious to thee than rubies."