Professor H. Alcofrisbas explains that the book takes place in 1930s Paris. Hugo Cabret has discovered a drawing that will change his life. Hugo’s “head is full of secrets” (1), and he is ready to tell his story.

In a busy Parisian train station, Hugo Cabret climbs into an air vent and hides behind a clock face in the wall. He watches an old toymaker (later revealed to be Georges Méliès) as he works in his booth. A girl about Hugo’s age (named Isabelle, he learns in Part 1, Chapter 8) walks into the booth carrying a book. She and Georges argue before she runs away. When Georges folds his arms and closes his eyes, Hugo leaves his hiding place and sneaks up to the toy booth. As he reaches for a blue mechanical mouse, Georges grabs Hugo’s arm, causing Hugo to drop and step on the mouse. He calls for the Station Inspector, and Hugo panics. Georges tells Hugo to empty his pockets, and Hugo obeys, revealing many small trinkets and a worn notebook. Georges looks through the notebook and stares at a drawing of an automaton.