ung lady will give me leave to do what I please with the
handkerchief?" asked the professor.

Rose nodded assent.

"Then," said the professor, "I will see if it is proof against fire."

He deliberately unfolded it, crushed it in his hand, and then held it
in the flame of a candle.

Rose uttered a low ejaculation.

"That's the last of your handkerchief, Rose," said Ben.

"You made me give it to him. You must buy me another," said the young
lady.

"So I will, if you don't get it back safe."

"How can I?"

"I don't know. Perhaps the professor does," answered Ben.

"Really," said the professor, contemplating the handkerchief
regretfully. "I am afraid I have destroyed the handkerchief; I hope
the young lady will pardon me."

He looked at Rose, but she made no sign. She felt a little disturbed,
for it was a fine handkerchief, given her by her aunt.

"I see the young lady is annoyed," continued the magician. "In that
case I must try to repair damages. I made a little mistake in
supposing the handkerchief to be noncombustible. However, perhaps
matters are not so bad as they seem."

He tossed the handkerchief behind a screen, and moved forward to a
table on which was a neat box. Taking a small key from his pocket, he
unlocked it and drew forth before the astonished eyes of his audience
the handkerchief intact.

"I believe this is your handkerchief, is it not?" he asked, stepping
down from the platform and handing it back to Rose.

"Yes," answered Rose, in amazement, examining it carefully, and unable
to detect any injury.

"And it is in as good condition as when you gave it to me?"

"Yes, sir."

"So much the better. Then I shall not be at the expense of buying a
new one. Young man, have you any objections to lending me your hat?"

This question was addressed to Ben.

"No, sir."

"Thank you. I will promise not to burn it, as I did the young lady's
handkerchief. You are sure there is nothing in it?"

"Yes, sir."

By this time the magician had reached the platform.

"I am sorry to doubt the young gentleman's word," said the professor,
"but I will charitably believe he is mistaken. Perhaps he forgot
these articles when he said it was empty," and he drew forth a couple
of potatoes and half a dozen onions from the hat and laid them on the
table.

There was a roar of laughter from the audience, and Ben looked rather
confused, especially when Rose turned to him and, laughing, said:

"You'