The very ancient magician raised his head from his book, and, pushing up hisspectacles from his forehead, looked at them mildly, and exclaimed:

"Freeze!"

Instantly, they all froze as hard as ice, each man remaining in theposition in which he was when the magical word was uttered. Withuplifted swords and glaring eyes they stood, rigid and stiff, beforethe magician. After calmly surveying the group, the very very aged man exclaimed:

"I see among you one who has an intelligent brow and truthfulexpression. His head may thaw sufficiently for him to tell me whatmeans this untimely intrusion upon my studies."

The Stranger now felt his head begin to thaw, and in a few moments hewas able to speak. He then told the magician about the Queen'smuseum, and how it had happened that he had come there with therobbers.