Ty and Charlie talked to magicians all afternoon and into the evening. Charlie had to call home and tell his parents he’d miss dinner.

It was late when they got to Mr. Thursday, the juggler, and they weren’t even halfway down the list yet.

Ty knocked on the door of room 1001. The juggler opened the door immediately.

“Yes?” he said. “Oh, it’s you two. Come on in.” He moved back inside and left the door open for them.

Charlie looked around. The room was a mess, strewn with bowling pins and bowling balls, softballs and baseballs, unlit torches, knives and batons. “I hope we’re not bothering you,” Charlie said.

“Oh, no,” Mr. Thursday replied. “I was just in the middle of practicing. I’m always in the middle of practicing, actually.”

“We won’t take up too much of your time,” Charlie said. “We’re asking everyone who was at the party if they had thoughts about Theopolis’s big trick.”

“Helping out old man Brack, huh?” Mr. Thursday said. He sat down on the couch and crossed his legs.

“We’re trying to,” Ty said. He sat down too. “We’ve already talked to, like, a hundred magicians.”

“Well, maybe ten,” Charlie said.

“Whatever,” said Ty. “The point is we still have no idea how Theopolis did that stuff.”

Mr. Thursday’s eyebrows went up. “No idea at all?” he said.

Charlie shook his head.

“Well, the juggling was very good,” Mr. Thursday said. “In fact, it was some of the best juggling I’ve ever seen in my life.”

“Really?” said Ty. “That’s surprising to hear. You’re the best juggler around. I wouldn’t think you’d be so quick to praise Theopolis. Is he a friend of yours?”

“Of course not,” Thursday said with a chuckle. “I’ve never even talked to him. I just think his juggling performance was very good.”

“Especially since he was floating in midair,” added Charlie.

Mr. Thursday stood up. “I don’t know anything about that,” he said. “I’m no levitation expert.”

He moved toward the door. “Now, if you two will excuse me,” he said. “I have a lot of practicing to do.”

Ty stood up. “Do you have a performance coming up?” he asked.

“If everything goes according to plan,” Mr. Thursday said, “yes.”

Charlie and Ty stepped into the hallway. Mr. Thursday closed the door.

Ty sighed. “That was no help at all,” he said, glancing at the list. “Let’s see, who’s next?”

Charlie yawned. “I have to get home,” he said. “Let’s pick this up tomorrow after school.”

“Okay,” said Ty. “Three o’clock. Don’t be late.”