Allen nodded his head.  “But think of the experience I’ll get, Alice,” he insisted.  “The directions say, ’If the man of the house is at home make some excuse and call again’; but with my usual luck he’s sure to see me first, and then I’ll go out on three legs.  I suspect the material will get polished all right.  But the talk that man gave me to learn is certainly straight from Persuasionville.  Honestly, I’m tempted to buy a set of the books myself—­only tempted, mind you; and so far I’ve resisted.  I’d like mighty well to try it on you before I take any chances.”

Alice and Mrs. Gorham exchanged glances as Allen busied himself untying a small package he had brought with him.  In the girl’s face there was deep concern, but Eleanor found it difficult to conceal her amusement.

“There!” said Allen, triumphantly producing a thin booklet.  “Here is the brochure, as they call it, and here are the rules of the game.  You take the instructions, Mrs. Gorham, and correct me if I go wrong, and I’ll try to sell a set to Alice.”

The boy endeavored to cover his consciousness with a broad grin.

“Isn’t this great!” he asked.

“How did you find this chance?” Alice queried, still a little doubtful as she seated herself in preparation for the experiment.

“Saw an advertisement in the Star—­’ Agents make one hundred to five hundred dollars a week,’ it said, and from what the man at the office tells me there isn’t any chance to lose—­except, perhaps, for the fellow who buys.”

“What are the books?” inquired Mrs. Gorham.

“Travel books,” Allen answered, promptly; “the Home Travellers’ Volumes.  Great title, isn’t it?  Of course they’re not meant for people who really travel as you do, but for those who stay at home.  You’ll see in a minute.  Are you ready, Mrs. Gorham?”

“All ready,” was the reply, as she held the leaflet of instructions where she could follow.

Allen squared himself for his maiden effort.

“I have been requested, Miss Gorham, to give you this beautiful brochure which describes the Home Travellers’ Volumes.  This is one of the many color-plates which adorn the work.”  Allen skilfully held the pamphlet so that the pictures could be seen.  “These wonderful volumes supply to those who cannot leave their homes all the pleasures, benefits, and entertainment of travel in foreign lands.  Do I turn a page yet?” Allen appealed to Mrs. Gorham.

“Not yet,” she replied.  “It says, ’Here open your prospectus and turn to the first color-plate.’”

“But I did that.  You saw it, didn’t you, Alice?  Oh, yes, I remember.  You learn how the people get about in different countries and cities; as, for instance, the jinrikisha in Japan.”  Allen turned the page.

“Did you do that hurriedly?” asked his coach.

“Do what hurriedly?”

“The directions say, ‘Turn page hurriedly.’”