2. The World’s Greatest Hypnotist

Chapter 2 The World's Greatest Hypnotist "This is so exciting," Bradley and Brian's mother said. "Thank you boys for taking me!" "But, Mom," Bradley said, "you always told us hypnotists were all phonies." His mother pointed to a giant poster of Hypo in front of the high school. "Hypo isn't," she said. "He's world-famous!"

"Come on," Brian said. "Let's get some good seats." The high school auditorium was crowded and noisy. Bradley and Brian were joined by their best friends, Nate and Lucy. Josh went to sit with Lucy's cousin Dink and Nate's sister, Ruth Rose. "Mrs. Pinto, I love your bracelet!" Lucy said. "Thank you, sweetie," Mrs. Pinto said. "Mr. Pinto gave it to me for Mother's Day." She wiggled her fingers. "And Josh gave me this pink nail polish!" "We bought her tickets to see Hypo!" Brian said. "I bought the tickets," Bradley said. "Brian is broke!" A few minutes later the lights in the auditorium dimmed. The crowd became quiet. A round man with a bald head stepped in front of the curtain. He raised his arms and smiled. "That's Mr. Creakey, the high school principal," Bradley's mother whispered. A lot of people clapped. Someone yelled, "Hi, Mr. C. Gonna get hypnotized?"

A boy hurried onto the stage and handed Mr. Creakey a microphone. "Good evening, all!" Mr. Creakey bellowed into the mike. His voice made a loud screechy noise all over the auditorium. Mr. Creakey held the mike farther from his mouth. "Sorry about that," he said. "No, I won't be hypnotized tonight. But some of you will! Now, without further delay, it is my pleasure to introduce Hypo, the world's greatest hypnotist!" Mr. Creakey hurried off the stage just as the curtain behind him opened. The stage lights went out. The audience was staring at a completely black stage. "I can't see anything!" Nate whispered. "This is spooky!" Suddenly a spotlight flashed on, making a circle on the stage. Inside the circle stood Hypo, wearing a tuxedo and top hat and holding a wand. A black mustache covered his upper lip. He bowed, and the audience began clapping and cheering. Then the rest of the stage was lit. Hypo was standing between a sofa and a tall booth. The booth was painted bright red, with a

gold curtain across its front. A water pitcher and glasses stood on a small table next to the booth. "Good evening, one and all!" said Hypo. His voice was deep and smooth. It flowed over the audience like melted chocolate. "I love being back in Green Lawn. I attended this high school," the hypnotist said. "Yes, I graduated seventeen years ago. I used to work in the Shangri-la Hotel on weekends. I'd stop at Ellie's Diner for ice cream on my way to work." "Mom, did you know that?" Bradley whispered. She nodded and smiled. Hypo stepped closer to the audience. He grinned. "Now, who would like to be hypnotized this evening?" he asked. Bradley could hear some laughter coming from the front row. Then a teenager stood up. His friends shoved him toward the stage. "Don't be shy!" Hypo said. "Hypo won't hurt you!" The kid stumbled up the stairs and stood next to Hypo on the stage. Everyone clapped and whistled.

"What is your name, young man?" Hypo asked the nervous boy. "Ch-Chad," the boy stuttered. "Hello, Chad," Hypo said. "Why do you want me to hypnotize you?"

Chad grinned. "My friends dared me," he said. "I didn't want to be a chicken." Hypo stared at Chad. Then he turned to the audience. "Shall I turn Chad into a chicken?" he