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know something,” said Tony. “I could tell that when I tried to explain how perfect Tia's memory is. He pretended he didn't believe it, but it gave him a jolt. I—I had the funny sort of feeling that he would have believed almost anything about us—and he's not the kind you can play tricks on.”
    “Then there's no question that he knows something, and that as your uncle he can profit by it. He seems anxious to get you abroad. Obviously, once he gets you out of the country, no one can question him and he can do what he wants with you. Hmm. What does the fellow look like?”
    Tony could not help smiling. “He—he sort of reminds me of your sworn enemy, but without the horns and whiskers.”
    “You don't mean it!” The priest crossed himself.
    “Well, he really does, except that he's clean-shaven. He's pretty sharp-looking—dresses all in brown and spends a lot on his clothes. Why would we be valuable to a man like that?”
    “I can think of several reasons.” Father O'Day gave another ferocious scowl. He was absently stroking Winkie with one big hand. “Mainly I'd say it has something to do with the fact that you can do things other people can't. I'm presuming that you both have gifts. Only, how could the fellow have learned about you?”
    “I don't know,” said Tony. “We've never told anyone about ourselves. We—we've always tried to hide things.”
    “But you must have confided in someone.”
    Tia shook her head, and Tony said, “Not even Granny. She wanted me to explain to her once how I always knew the time. I tried, but somehow she couldn't understand, and it upset her. Thenone evening she caught us making the broom dance…I'll never forget what an awful fright it gave her. I had to lie to her and tell her it was just a trick, and that we were using black threads.” He spread his hands. “So you see, we learned pretty early to be careful. If you're too different, people think you're a kook, or even worse.”
    Father O'Day nodded. “I understand—but I don't think there's anything kooky in this. I'd like to know all about what you can do—if you don't mind telling me. Let's start with how you and Tia communicate. It's got me baffled. And what about this time business?”
    Tony explained. The big man whistled softly. “What a pair you are! I'd like to know more—you see, I'm terrifically interested in these matters. I believe that people like you and Tia are far ahead of your time. You belong to the future.” He paused, and added hopefully, “You mentioned a broom…”
    “Wouldn't you rather see our dolls dance? They're not as scary.”
    “You have dolls that dance? Bless me, by all means!”
    Tony smiled. As he reached for his harmonica he wished he had become acquainted with Father O'Day long ago.
    The priest sat in wordless delight while magic entered the room and the dolls used his desk for a stage.
    “Wonderful!” he whispered finally. “Puppets without strings! After seeing them, I'll skip the broom.” He crossed himself. “You know, a whirling broom would be rather scary.”
    “That's why we concentrated on the dolls. When you have to hide it from people, it's safer.”
    “I can understand that,” said Father O'Day. “But I don't understand how you do it. It's a form of telekinesis—do you know what that is?”
    Tony nodded. “It's the ability to move things without touching them. Tia has read everything she can find about it. We can bothmake the dolls dance—but it's much easier when we do it together, and more fun. And of course the music has a lot to do with it.”
    “Really? In what way?”
    “It, well, it sort of amplifies things. I mean, when I play the harmonica, I can move all kinds of heavy objects.”
    “What a handyman you'd make!” Father O'Day said dreamily. “And do you realize what a problem you've suddenly become?”
    Tony sighed. “I imagine it would almost be your duty to send us back to Hackett House. We've sort of put you in a spot, haven't