Vance Barnum – Joe Strong the Boy Wizard (official PDF) Access Instantly!

The document is about a boy named Joe Strong, who possesses remarkable physical abilities and a background in magic, as he navigates various adventures and mysteries.

Joe Strong and His Magical Abilities

Joe Strong is a remarkable boy with a unique heritage that enables him to perform magic tricks and daring feats. ​

• Joe is the son of a famous magician, Professor Morretti, and a daring bareback rider, Madame Hortense.
• He possesses exceptional physical abilities, including running, jumping, swimming, and juggling.
• Joe has never been ill, showcasing his robust health and strong nerves.
• He has a natural talent for performing tricks, which he demonstrates to his friends.

 

The Slate Trick Explained

Joe Strong demonstrates a magic trick involving a slate that amazes his friends.

• Joe performs a trick where he makes a sum appear on a stone without touching it.
• He uses a trick slate, similar to the one used by Professor Rosello, to create the illusion.
• The trick involves substituting a piece of paper with his own pre-written sum. ​
• Joe explains the mechanics of the trick, emphasizing the importance of sleight of hand and misdirection.

 

The Fireworks Factory Incident

A sudden explosion at a fireworks factory leads Joe and his friends to rush to the scene. ​

• The factory is located near a railroad siding and is filled with explosives, making it highly dangerous.
• Multiple explosions occur, creating a spectacle of fire and smoke. ​
• Joe expresses concern for the workers who may be trapped inside the burning buildings.
• The boys witness the arrival of fire-fighting apparatus as they make their way to the fire.

 

Joe’s Daring Rescue at the Fire

Joe Strong bravely swims across a creek to rescue Professor Rosello from a burning fireworks factory.

• Joe’s friends discuss his bravery and the harsh treatment he receives from Deacon Blackford.
• Joe swims to the fire out of curiosity and to help, despite the risk of punishment for getting his clothes wet. ​
• He arrives at the scene before his friends and joins the efforts to fight the fire.
• Joe notices a man, Professor Rosello, in danger on the top floor and decides to rescue him.
• He climbs a rope to reach the professor, using his wet clothes to protect him from the flames.

 

The Aftermath of the Fire

The fire is contained, and Joe’s heroic actions are recognized, but he faces consequences at home. ​

• Firefighters manage to save the main building, preventing a larger disaster. ​
• Joe’s friends express admiration for his bravery and quick thinking during the rescue. ​
• Joe’s clothes are ruined in the process, leading to a confrontation with his foster parents.
• Deacon Blackford is critical of Joe’s actions, viewing them as reckless and wasteful.

 

Joe’s Ambition to Become a Magician

Joe expresses his desire to follow in his parents’ footsteps and become a magician like his father. ​

• Joe reveals his ambition to become a magician, inspired by his parents’ legacy. ​
• Professor Rosello acknowledges Joe’s potential and offers to help him pursue his dream.
• Joe has practiced magic tricks secretly, demonstrating his natural talent during their meeting.
• The professor provides Joe with a list of upcoming performances, suggesting future opportunities.

 

Family Dynamics and Joe’s Struggles

Joe faces challenges at home due to his foster parents’ disapproval of his ambitions and past.

• Mr. and Mrs. Blackford are strict and often harsh, limiting Joe’s freedom and opportunities. ​
• Joe feels the weight of their expectations and their disdain for his parents’ professions.
• Despite his achievements, Joe anticipates a reprimand for his actions during the fire.
• The conversation with his foster parents highlights their lack of understanding and support for Joe’s dreams.

 

Conflict Between Joe and Deacon Blackford

Joe Strong faces harsh treatment from his foster-father, Deacon Blackford, after an incident involving a burned suit.

• Deacon Blackford threatens Joe with punishment for ruining a suit while saving a man’s life.
• Joe stands up to the deacon, refusing to accept physical punishment.
• Joe feels bitter and isolated, reflecting on his difficult home life and longing for his deceased parents.

 

Joe’s Decision to Run Away

Joe decides to leave his foster home due to ongoing mistreatment and a desire for freedom.

• After a confrontation with the deacon, Joe resolves to run away, feeling he has reached his limit. ​
• He prepares by packing a valise and planning to leave a note for his friend Tom.
• Joe feels a mix of excitement and apprehension about his decision to escape.

 

Deacon Blackford’s Secret Trouble

Deacon Blackford is involved in a shady investment scheme that puts him in a precarious situation.

• He meets with two men, Denton and Harrison, who pressure him for money or valuable papers related to a failed investment.
• The deacon refuses to comply, asserting he will not give them any more money or the important papers. ​
• The confrontation leaves the deacon anxious about potential repercussions from the men.

 

Joe’s Escape and the Intruders

As Joe escapes, two intruders break into the Blackford home, leading to a series of unexpected events.

• Joe successfully leaves his home without being detected, feeling a sense of freedom.
• The intruders enter the house through a back door, intending to steal valuable papers and money from the deacon.
• A lamp is accidentally knocked over, causing a fire, but the intruders decide to flee instead of extinguishing it.

 

Joe’s Journey Towards Independence

Joe embarks on a journey to find a new life, aiming to connect with a magician who can help him.

• He plans to travel to Lorilard, where Professor Rosello is performing, hoping for guidance and support. ​
• Joe reflects on his past and dreams of becoming a well-known magician, feeling optimistic about his future.
• He decides to take a freight train to save money, embracing his newfound independence.

 

Joe’s Escape and Journey Begins

Joe Strong sneaks away from home to pursue a life as a magician, leaving behind a note and a suit for his foster family.

• Joe contemplates the risk of being seen while leaving a bundle on the Simpson house steps.
• He reflects on his recent adventures, including a fireworks factory explosion and a rescue. ​
• Joe runs to catch a freight train, realizing it is leaving earlier than expected. ​
• He evades a suspicious Hen Sylvester, who believes Joe might be a burglar.
• Joe successfully jumps onto a moving freight car, marking the start of his journey. ​

 

Deacon Blackford’s Disturbance

Deacon Blackford hears suspicious noises in his home, leading to a fire and the discovery of a burglary.

• Deacon and his wife Abigail hear noises that suggest a break-in.
• Deacon investigates and sees an intruder escaping through the window, causing a lamp to fall and ignite.
• He quickly extinguishes the fire, preventing further damage.
• Upon checking his desk, Deacon discovers that important investment papers and cash have been stolen.
• Deacon suspects Joe of the crime after finding his belongings missing, leading to a false accusation.

 

Joe’s New Opportunity with Professor Rosello

Joe finds himself in a fortunate position as he becomes the assistant to the renowned magician, Professor Rosello.

• Joe arrives at the town where Professor Rosello is performing and seeks him out.
• The professor is in need of an assistant after his previous one leaves unexpectedly.
• Joe expresses his desire to learn magic and is offered a position for $10 a week plus expenses. ​
• They discuss the tricks and techniques Joe will need to learn for the upcoming performance.
• Joe is excited about the opportunity and begins practicing magic tricks with the professor. ​

 

The Performance and Joe’s Role

Joe assists Professor Rosello in a successful magic show, showcasing his potential as a magician. ​

• The performance features various tricks, including making a handkerchief disappear and producing goldfish from a hat.
• Joe plays a key role in a trick where he is made to disappear, demonstrating his growing confidence. ​
• The audience responds positively, and Joe feels comfortable on stage despite initial fears of stage fright. ​
• The professor praises Joe’s natural aptitude for magic, indicating a promising future in the field.

 

The Disappearing Trick Performance

Joe Strong successfully performs a magic trick involving his disappearance, captivating the audience. ​

• Professor Rosello introduces Joe as his assistant during the performance. ​
• Joe sits on a chair covered by a black cloth, which is then shot at by the professor. ​
• The audience gasps as Joe seemingly vanishes, and he reappears walking down the aisle. ​
• The trick involves a trap-door and a cleverly prepared sheet of newspaper that conceals the mechanism. ​

 

Deacon Blackford’s Accusations

Deacon Blackford believes Joe has robbed him and set fire to his home, leading to a police search. ​

• Deacon Blackford discovers a robbery and fire at his residence on the same night Joe disappears. ​
• He decides to pursue legal action against Joe, whom he accuses of theft and arson.
• The deacon’s wife defends Joe, suggesting he may not be entirely to blame.
• The constables, Hen Sylvester and Tim Donovan, initially mistake Deacon Blackford for a burglar due to his late-night presence.

 

Joe’s Growing Success as a Magician

Joe’s performances with Professor Rosello gain popularity, showcasing his talent and hard work.

• Joe’s skills improve significantly over the course of several performances. ​
• The audience grows larger each night, drawn by the success of the disappearing trick.
• Joe begins to take on more responsibilities and performs new tricks, including a watch trick.
• The professor praises Joe’s progress and encourages him to continue developing his magical abilities. ​

 

The Watch Trick Explanation

Joe performs a trick involving a borrowed watch, which he seemingly destroys and then restores. ​

• Joe borrows a gold watch from an audience member and pretends to break it. ​
• He uses a trick mortar and pestle to create the illusion of grinding the watch into pieces. ​
• The trick involves sleight-of-hand techniques and cleverly designed props to create the illusion of destruction and restoration.
• The audience is amazed when the watch reappears unharmed, hanging from a flower pot. ​

 

Joe’s Accusations and Support from Friends

Joe learns from his friend Harry that he is being accused of robbery and arson, but his friends stand by him.

• Harry informs Joe that the deacon believes he stole money and set fire to his home. ​
• Joe explains that he ran away to catch a freight train, not to commit a crime.
• His friends, including Tom and Charlie, express their belief in Joe’s innocence and offer their support.
• Joe reflects on his experiences and the challenges he faces while pursuing his career in magic.

 

Joe’s Journey as a Magician

Joe is an aspiring magician learning tricks and performing under Professor Rosello’s guidance.

• Joe is not yet a full magician but is gaining experience.
• He successfully performs a watch trick and an egg trick, impressing the audience.
• The egg trick involves a clever use of saltwater and fresh water to make an egg float. ​
• Joe is accused of robbery by his foster-parent, but he chooses not to confront the issue directly.

 

The Egg Trick Explained

The egg trick is a simple yet effective illusion that can be replicated at home. ​

• A fresh egg sinks in water but can float in a strong brine solution. ​
• The trick involves layering saltwater and fresh water in a jar without mixing them. ​
• Joe uses this setup to create the illusion of the egg floating midway in the jar. ​
• The audience is mystified when the egg sinks after Joe “dissolves the magic spell.” ​

 

The Circus Encounter

Joe visits a circus and meets performers, sparking his interest in circus life. ​

• Joe observes the preparations for the circus and feels a connection to his mother’s past as a performer.
• He helps Benny Turton, the “human fish,” with his trunk and learns about circus acts.
• Joe is invited to watch trapeze practice and impresses the ring-master with his skills.
• Jim Tracy, the ring-master, offers Joe a chance to join the circus, but Joe declines to stay with Professor Rosello.

 

Joe’s Performance and New Tricks

Joe introduces new tricks in his magic show, gaining audience appreciation.

• He performs a candle trick that captivates the audience with its simplicity and effectiveness. ​
• The trick involves a hidden mechanism that allows the candle to appear to light and extinguish itself. ​
• Joe’s performance is well-received, and he receives compliments from Professor Rosello for his creativity. ​
• The show does not draw large crowds due to competition from the circus, but Joe’s tricks still make an impact.

 

Joe’s Narrow Escape from Arrest

Joe Strong faces the threat of arrest by his foster-father, Deacon Blackford, who believes Joe stole money from him.

• Joe spots Deacon Blackford in the audience during a performance.
• He confides in Professor Rosello about his fear of being falsely arrested.
• The professor devises a plan for Joe to escape through the stage door and take a train to the next town. ​
• Joe successfully leaves the theater and avoids confrontation with Deacon.

 

Professor Rosello’s Performance Adjustments

Professor Rosello alters his show to keep the audience entertained while ensuring Joe’s safety.

• The professor substitutes simpler tricks for the more complex ones that required Joe’s assistance. ​
• He manages to keep the audience, including Deacon, amused throughout the performance. ​
• Rosello believes in Joe’s innocence and aims to prevent any humiliation from an arrest.

 

Mysterious Men and Their Connection

Joe learns about two men, Burke and Jake, who may have information regarding the theft from Deacon Blackford.

• The professor overhears the men discussing Deacon’s loss at a hotel.
• Joe considers the possibility that they might be detectives but the professor believes they are not.
• Joe plans to identify the men during the evening performance.

 

Confrontation with Deacon Blackford

Joe’s encounter with Deacon Blackford escalates when he is confronted about the alleged theft.

• Deacon arrives with constable Hen Sylvester, demanding Joe’s arrest.
• Joe explains his innocence and recounts the events leading to his escape from Deacon’s house.
• The deacon begins to reconsider his accusations against Joe after hearing his explanation. ​

 

The Arrest of Burke and Jake

Joe and the professor work together to apprehend the real culprits behind the theft.

• Joe identifies Burke and Jake as the men who joked about the deacon’s loss. ​
• With the help of Hen Sylvester, they arrest the two men in a cafe.
• Joe cleverly retrieves a stolen bond from Denton’s pocket, providing evidence of their guilt.

 

Resolution and Joe’s Future

The story concludes with Joe’s vindication and his decision to continue performing with Professor Rosello.

• Deacon Blackford apologizes to Joe for his wrongful accusations.
• The deacon allows Joe to stay with the professor, acknowledging his talent. ​
• Joe reflects on his experiences and considers his future in magic, hinting at a new adventure in the circus.