Devo Mannix the Sorcerer’S Apprentice: Dangerous Adventures

By Roland Boike

An accidental slip of the tongue while sitting in his magical 1925 Rolls Royce Phantom 1 automobile transports Devo on an unexpected adventure. Devo is accidentally struck on the head, suffers a temporary loss of memory, and forgets where he is, who he is, and how to return home.

While still suffering from temporary loss of memory, Devo meets a young girl sitting on a bench in a cemetery. Devo helps the girl recover from the calamities that have occurred to her, and she, in turn, helps Devo regain his memory. A gift of a golden necklace and a diary from the girl starts Devo Mannix on a quest to solve a 120-year-old Civil War mystery in an attempt to clear her family name.

Upon returning home, Devo finds he has inherited a 1,016-pound antique magical steamer trunk without the key to open it. In a search to find the key, Devo; his talking dog, Speeler; and his friend Julie are held captive by an unscrupulous ex-convict. Speeler, the talking dog, comes up with a plan for escape that sends their captive to the hospital, seeking medical attention. Eventually, the plan backfires, resulting in Devo being thrown into the magical streamer trunk and held prisoner.

Devos eventual escape from the trunk solves one of the mysteries of the trunk concerning its contents and the original owner.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Sep 16, 2015
• ISBN: 9781514405727

Roland Boike

Roland Vincent Boike was born October 28, 1930 at his family home in Madeira, Ohio. He is the son of Dr. Stephen Boike and Ludvica Rensi Boike and is one of seven children. During the Korean War, Roland served in 134th and the 147th Field Artillery as Chief of Section of a 105 Howitzers Battalion. Roland attended Western Kentucky State University, Ohio State Department of Agriculture, and the University Of Cincinnati Department Of Applied Arts. He was awarded a full scholarship to attend Lincoln College of Chiropractic where he graduated in 1962 with a Degree in Chiropractic. Roland practiced Chiropractic in Loveland, Ohio for thirty- five years and was a Staff Physician at Jewish Hospital in Kenwood, Ohio. He served as Team Physician for Loveland High School, Western Brown High School and Wilmington College Girls Soccer Team. Roland served as Mayor and Vice Mayor in Loveland, Ohio, a community of over 10,500 residents. Roland was a founder and Director of The Community National Bank, Loveland, Ohio and Chairman of the Loveland 1976 Centennial Celebration, which produced a live outdoor spectacular, The History of Loveland. Roland was a founder, past president and member of the Board of Trustees of The Loveland Chamber of Commerce. He designed the Valentine postage meter stamp and the Logo There Is Nothing In The World So Sweet As Love. He was recognized with an award from The National Safety Council for saving the lives of three children in a submerged automobile at Lake Isabella in May, 1964. Roland was honored by the City of Loveland, Ohio for dedicated service to the community with a commemorative marker In the Veterans Memorial Park. Roland is a Kentucky Colonel and has received numerous awards for civic achievements.

Book preview

Chapter 1

ALL ABOUT BASEBALL

I think it all started one evening at dinner. The subject at the table concerned being present at historical events. I was present at the game when Bobby Thomson hit a home run October 3, 1951," Devo’s Father said.

As a result of the home run, the Giants won the game 5 to 4, defeating the Dodgers in their pennant playoff series. I shall never forget the excitement. People were screaming, yelling, hugging and kissing each other; it is something that one does not soon forget.

My Dad could tell you everything there is to know about baseball. I enjoy playing baseball but I have no interest at all in filling my brain with facts and figures about the game.

It was the first part of September in 1985 when my Father first mentioned the fact that Pete Rose could break Ty Cobb’s batting record in the next few days.

My name is Devo Mannix and I am not that interested in the game of baseball or in Pete Rose breaking Ty Cobb’s record. However, it seemed like that was also the talk at school and among my friends. It appeared to me they talked of nothing else.

I have never been to a major league baseball game, Devo told Speeler one rainy day as they sat in Devo’s magical 1925 Rolls Royce Phantom 1 automobile, which was jacked up on blocks in the barn.

Devo had acquired this bewitched vehicle from his Grandfather as a gift. The magical car had a spell cast on it by Rolando Bollasko, a very famous European Magician back in 1925 when he purchased the automobile.

Bollasko cast a spell on the automobile so that it would take him anywhere he wished to go. Bollasko was so busy working at the theater performing his magic act that he had little time to travel. In the few hours that Bollasko had of free time, he spent sitting in the car, traveling to exotic places throughout the European continent. Bollasko could journey to the French Riviera or to other exotic places; stay any length of time, an hour, a day, a week or a month, returning home to find there was never any travel time associated with the trip.

Bollasko is said to have died shortly after casting the spell and the mysteries of the incantation remained a secret until Devo discovered them quite by accident. In the years that followed the death of Bollasko, the car went from owner to owner and was finally willed to Devo’s Grandfather who gave it to Devo.

Devo found that the spell only works for the owner of the car. If the owner of the car sits in the driver’s seat, puts both hands on the steering wheel and makes a wish to travel, the car takes the occupants of the car any place the owner wishes to go, that can be reached by highway.

Devo, would you be interested in going to a two-week magician’s workshop at the Hilton Hotel in Columbus, Ohio on Saturday, September 8? Grandfather Mannix asked.

You’re kidding me, Grandfather. I’d give an arm and a leg to go to that, Devo said with great excitement.

Well, there won’t be any necessity to amputate any body parts because I bought and paid for your transportation and attendance at the workshop, Grandfather Mannix said.

Can I go, Mom and Dad? Huh.

You certainly can, Devo. Your Father and I talked it over with Grandfather Mannix before he made your reservation, Devo’s Mother said, smiling.

Magicians International is conducting this workshop called Deception and Misdirection," Grandfather said.

I know you used a little deception and misdirection on Benny Hokum in order to make him your friend, but I thought you might like to improve and master the technique, Grandfather said.

Magicians International sent this brochure and it gives you all the instructions as to where you are to be picked up and what you need to bring and wear. This is your birthday present, Christmas present and Easter present, so you can forget presenting me with a list of things I might buy you for those special occasions, Grandfather said, laughing.

Thank you, Grandfather. I love you so much and I promise not to ask for anything else.

All of your expenses are paid, and your meals are included. I am giving you $25 for pocket money in case you need a candy bar or something for a little extra energy, Grandfather said.

That is most kind of you, Grandfather, and I know Devo is going to have a really great time. Read over the pamphlet that Grandfather gave you Devo, so that you know exactly where you need to be and what you need to do for this exciting adventure, Devo’s Father said.

I will probably read that brochure at least a hundred times before I get on the bus, Dad, Devo replied.

Devo excused himself from the dinner table and went out into the backyard to tell Speeler about his wonderful gift from his Grandfather.

Speeler, you won’t believe what Grandfather just gave me, Devo said in a very excited voice.

Is there any reason I shouldn’t believe you? Speeler barked.

That’s just an expression, Speeler. Of course, I know you believe me.

Why would you say it then? Speeler barked.

You’re missing the point here, Speeler. I’m very excited about a gift that Grandfather gave me and I want to tell you about it and you have gotten off on an expression I use to indicate I was excited.

I was just pulling your chain; that’s an expression we dogs like to use, Speeler barked.

Grandfather paid my enrollment fee for the Deception and Misdirection Workshop in Columbus on Sunday, September 8, for two weeks.

Who’s going to feed me while you’re gone for two weeks? Speeler barked.

You know Speeler, sometimes your humor can be absolutely frustrating, Devo said.

Chapter 2

WHAT TO DO?

D evo, we were just informed that your Great Uncle Arnold Mannix has passed away in Kannabe, Montana. He is your Grandfather’s only brother. We are going to leave for the funeral on Saturday, Devo’s Mother said.

Where is Kannabe, Montana, Mother? Devo asked.

It’s in the middle of nowhere, Devo. Actually, it is two hundred miles northeast of Great Falls, Montana and forty-five miles southwest of Fort Peck Dam. We plan to fly to Great Falls, Montana, rent a car and drive to Kannabe.

I’m very sorry to hear about my great uncle, Grandfather. I guess I never really knew that you had a brother. Who was he and what did he do? Devo asked in a curious voice.

Your great uncle was a very rich man and retired at the age of forty. He always loved water and solitude and one day while traveling, he found this little town of Kannabe, Montana. He bought a lakefront cottage and has lived there ever since. I guess most people would say that he was a recluse. When we were children, we were both interested in magic.

I like to perform in public, my brother just liked to collect magical objects; things that were used by magicians when they performed their acts. I am his only living heir and administrator of his estate.

We are leaving at 5:30 a.m. Saturday morning. We will fly to Salt Lake City and then on to Great Falls, Montana. When we arrive, we shall rent a car and drive to Kannabe, Devo’s Mother said.

You could go with us but I know you have your heart set on going to this magician’s workshop. You will be home alone all day Saturday and you need to be up and ready to go Sunday morning about seven or seven thirty. I will fix your meals and put them in the refrigerator, so all you need to do is warm them up. I shall also fix you a snack to carry in your backpack in case you get hungry on the bus, Devo’s Mother said.

Thank you, Mother. I am sure I will be just fine but, I shall miss you all, Devo said.

Saturday morning, Devo got up at 5:00 a.m. to say goodbye to his parents. Devo fixed his breakfast and then he walked out in the backyard to see Speeler. They both climbed up in the front seat of Devo’s 1925 Roll Royce Phantom 1 auto to discuss their plans for the day.

Speeler, this weekend is going to be a real bummer. I asked Benny Hokum if he wanted to go to see The Goonies at the mall today but his family is traveling to Cleveland to visit with some aunts and uncles that he has never met.

I also asked Julie if she wanted to go to the mall and then go to a movie to see The Goonies. Unfortunately, her Grandmother that we went to see in Alaska is here visiting, so she cannot go.

To top it off, Mother has given me a whole list of things she wants me to do this Saturday while they are in Montana; as she so aptly put it, To keep me out of trouble. Look here, Speeler! Before she left she even wrote everything down in this little spiral notebook and gave it to me, so I won’t forget, Devo said in disgust. It looks like it’s just you and me, Speeler. What would you like to do this weekend? Devo asked.

Well! I sort of promised Squirrel that I would help him look for some walnut trees so he can start storing his food for the winter, Speeler barked regretfully. Besides, I buried a bone in the backyard and I haven’t been able to find it, so it looks like I’ll be very busy this weekend," Speeler barked.

Boy, this weekend is going to be a real bummer. I have nothing to do and all of my friends are busy with other commitments, Devo said sadly.

Do you have any suggestions, Speeler? Devo asked.

Let me see; you could read a good book, you could play with your soldiers and cars, or maybe, you could get out one of your Mother’s cookbooks and try baking a cake or something, Speeler barked.

I really wanted to play with you or one of my friends but I don’t think that’s going to happen, Devo said.

I really like that cake idea, Devo. If it turns out really good, you could share some of it with me when I come back from looking for walnut trees with Squirrel. Well, if you don’t like that idea and you lived in Chicago, you might go and see Pete Rose break Ty Cobb’s batting record, Speeler barked.

Devo had a disgusted look on his face as he looked out over the bonnet of his car. He put both hands on the steering wheel turning it right and left slowly, pretending he was really on the road driving.

I can take you there, the words seemed to come from out of nowhere. And at that exact same moment, Devo said without thinking, Yes, I wish I were at Wrigley Field right now.

Rolls%20Royce%20724646.jpg

I wish I were at Wrigley Field

The words were no sooner out of Devo’s mouth than he found himself and Speeler at 1060 West Addison in Chicago, Illinois.

Devo looked around and it took him a little while to realize where he was. Oops! Devo said, I need to be more careful what I say when I have my hands on the steering wheel."

Live and learn, Speeler barked.

As long as we are here Speeler, let’s get out and look around, Devo said.

Devo opened the door on the driver side of the car and stepped onto the pavement before Speeler could jump out of the front seat onto the sidewalk. As a result, the car returned to the Mannix barn with Speeler still sitting in the front seat.

When Speeler looked over at the steering wheel and realized that Devo was gone Speeler thought to himself, I think we may be in trouble.

Chapter 3

A FOUL BALL

I know better than to make a wish while I’m holding onto the steering wheel of my Rolls Royce Phantom 1, Devo thought to himself.

As long as I am here, I might as well buy a ticket and see the game. At least it will give me something to do, Devo whispered to himself as he stood there looking at the entrance to Wrigley Field.

Devo walked up to the ticket window and purchased a ticket for the game.

With the help of an usher, Devo was able to find his seat. It was a seat on the first base line about halfway up in the bleachers.

After the National Anthem was finished and everyone was seated, Devo bought a Coke, a hot dog and a bag of peanuts, which he would save for later in the game.

It was the top of the first inning and Nick Esasky was up to bat. Esasky hit a high fly ball over the first base line. Devo stood up in an attempt to catch the ball. However, before he could get his hands up in the air, the ball hit him in the head. Devo was stunned, to say the least. He fell backward into his seat and sat there looking out at the ball field.

Devo put his hands to his head and gently rubbed the spot where the ball hit him, only to find that that he could already feel a small lump where the ball struck his head.

Here Sonny, you stopped the ball and I caught it; I would say it really belongs to you. That was quite a blow to your head; are you feeling alright? The man sitting next to Devo asked as he handed Devo, Esasky’s foul ball.

"Still feeling the pain of the ball that hit him in the head and being partially dazed, Devo reached out and accepted the ball from the man sitting next to him.

Thank you, Devo said as he sank back into his seat and gently rubbed the side of his head.

Devo could hear the screaming, yelling and cheering of the fans; however, he realized that he did not know where he was or who he was.

I really feel dizzy. I had better sit down and stay here until my head stops spinning. Devo said to himself as he sat back down in his seat.

Devo could still hear the screaming, yelling and cheering of the fans occasionally throughout the game. However, Devo could not grasp the exact events that were occurring on the ball field.

One of the ushers brought Devo a small bag containing ice cubes, which he held on the side of his head until the game was over.

Devo was not quite as dizzy now as he was when the ball first hit him on the side of his head. Devo remained in his seat until he noticed that the people around him were standing up and leaving.

I guess they are headed for the parking lot, Devo thought.

As more and more of the baseball fans left the stadium, Devo started to feel alone for the first time since his arrival.

Devo sat and tried to analyze his situation and make some decision as to what he was to do.

I know I am at Wrigley Field in Chicago. I do not know how I got here or if I actually live in Chicago. I do not know my parent’s names, or, if I am, in fact, an orphan. I also do not know if I am wanted by the police, have escaped from a juvenile detention home or if I ran away from home.

At any rate, I need to get out of the ballpark to see what I can find out, Devo thought to himself.

Devo followed the crowd to the purple parking lot and then walked to the exit.

When Devo was about one hundred feet from the exit, a man wearing a red Cincinnati T-shirt and baseball cap came over to him and said, Say, aren’t you the boy that was hit in the head by Esasky’s foul ball?

Yes sir, it hit me right on the side of my head.

Did you get the ball?

Yes sir, I have it here in my pocket, Devo said.

Would you consider selling it to me for fifty bucks? The man asked.

Devo reached in his pocket, pulled out the baseball and handed it to the man.

Here’s your fifty bucks, kid. Thanks a lot. I’ll put this in my trophy case, the man said as he walked away and disappeared in the crowd.

Devo removed his wallet from his hip pocket and put in the fifty-dollar bill.

There was a police officer directing traffic there, so Devo hesitated until the officer turned in the other direction to stop traffic. As soon as that happened, Devo left the parking lot and headed up North Clark Street. After a short walk, Devo found himself at the entrance to Wunders Cemetery.

This is a great place for me to stay tonight or until my memory returns, as I doubt if there are many people visiting their loved ones in the cemetery at night, Devo thought to himself.

Devo walked into the entrance of the cemetery where he could see a young girl sitting on one of the benches. As he passed by, Devo could hear her sobbing into her handkerchief.

What am I to do, what am I to do? the young girl cried in a very low tone.

Is there something wrong? Have you hurt yourself? Devo asked sympathetically.

Go away, leave me alone, the young girl said as she looked up at Devo. Go away little boy; I’m sure you can’t help me."

I know how you must feel; I feel the same way. I do not know anyone that can help me either, Devo said sorrowfully.

What kind of problem could a little boy like you have? the young girl asked.

I went to a baseball game today at Wrigley Field and I was hit by a foul ball on the side of my head. See here, you can still feel the bump, Devo said as he reached up and touched the sore spot on his head.

"Since I got hit in the head, I do not remember anything.

I don’t know who I am, I do not know where I live and I do not know who my parents are," Devo said.

You must have amnesia, the young girl said.

We make a strange couple, she said. You can’t remember what happened to you and I am trying to forget what happened to me.

Chapter 4

STEPHANIE

D evo sat down on the park bench next to the young girl and said, What do you remember that has made you so sad? he asked.

What is your name, little boy? The young girl asked.

That’s just it; I do not know what my name is.

What is your name? Devo asked politely.

My name is Stephanie Ingram; most people call me Steph.

Since you don’t have a name, can I give you a name?

That would be great, I would like that very much, Devo said. What would you name me?" Devo asked.

I shall call you Skip, Steph said.

How did you ever come up with a name like that and what does it mean? Devo asked.

That was my Father’s name, Skip Ingram, and his name meant the Angels helper.

Are you sure your Father won’t mind if I use his name? Devo asked.

That is part of the reason I was sitting here crying, Skip. My Father died about a month ago and since I have no other living relatives, I decided to take a job with Global Energies here in Chicago. I just arrived in Chicago three days ago and I had all the money that I own in my purse. I was on my way to the bank to deposit some of the money, find a place to live and buy something to eat.

I had taken most of my money out of my savings account in New York and had made a deposit on a new apartment when 4 ruffians attacked me and stole my purse and all my money. The purse not only contains all of my money but it also contains all of my identification, my driver’s license, Social Security Card and all of my credit cards. I do not know how to prove who I am and be able to withdraw the little bit of money I have left in my checking account to live on.

Have you contacted the police and filed a report? Devo asked.

"No, to tell you the truth, Skip, I was so upset by being robbed that I just