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I ? 4 4- -4 4- -4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 il i Magic JN 4? 4 How Famous Mi Myst 4* By ROBERT & . ^ ^ ^ | ^ ^ sf- ^ f' f -j rni ?? AAlaK??ftf moutpr Cif mod* I D lilt? Illuai COICVitAbvu au?^?v. r era magic was Robert Houdin (1805- r) 1871), whom no prestidigitator has since surpassed Or even equaled In the variety and Ingenuity of his astonish- n ing performances. As a boy Houdin ei was apprenticed to a watchmaker, and in this occupation he acquired great deftness and delicacy of touch. He 18 had. moreover, a remarkable gift for ei mechanical invention, which he learn- n ed to apply in various ways?in making curious mechanical toys, and later in discovering new applications of electricity to machinery. At first he tl practiced sleight-of-hand merely as a 5, diversion, but afterward he was induced to cultivate his facility in won- ai der-working, for the reason that he f< resented the impostures practiced by tc so many so-called conjurers whose exhlbttlons he had witnessed. These persons seriously pretended to be magiclans; and they used their skill, y such as it was, to deceive and cheat the ignorant. Houdin, despising their . dishonesty and also the clumsiness of their art, set himself to expose them P< by performing much more wonderful p| feats without professing to have the aid of any supernatural powers. He attained an extraordinary de- w gree of skill, inventing new tricks, b< ~ Mm a In lin. some 01 wnicii even iuuaj v??. ? explained; for they came to possess great value to their originator, who therefore kept the secret of them to himself. Houdin gave public exhlbi- le tlons in both France and England, 0) and on one occasion rendered the French government a great service in tc confounding the native magicians of v< Algiers. The story of how he did this c< I Is told In the following interesting passage, which has beeo translated from the French of Houdin's "Memolres." b; di w One day I received a letter from Col. de Neveu. head of the political office at Algiers. This distinguished g( functionary begged me to proceed to OI Algeria and to give my performances ^ before the principal chieftains of the e, Arab tribes. The Invitation reached me in the 0i midst of my honeymoon. Scarce recovered from the fatigues of my jour- jc ney, I was imbibing deep drafts of hi happiness, and it would have been a ti heavy sacrifice to dispel the charm so ni soon. Hence, I expressed to Col. de tc Neveu my regret at not being able to accept the Invitation. m The colonel noted my excuses, and, the following year, reminded me of p, them. It was in 1855; but I had pre- ni sented at the Universal Exhibition ts several new applications of electricity n, to mechanism, and having learned g\ that the Jury considered me worthy S{ or a reward, 1 wouiu uui im? r?ia until I had received It. Such was, at ? , I least, the motive on which I based a a] new refusal, accompanied by my re- ei grets. o* i But the colonel kept these excuses still In mind, and. In June, 1856, he e< presented them to me like a bill that h must be met. This time I had ex- r( hausted my excuses, and though It w cost me much to leave my retreat and s< brave the caprices of the Medlterra- h< nean in the worst month of the year, r I decided upon going. It was settled jr that I should reach Algiers by the next 27th of September, the day on ? which the great fetes annually given e, by the capital of Algeria to the Arabs would commence. p, I must say that I was much Influ- f< enced In my determination by the a, knowledge that my mission to Algeria sj had a quasi-political character. I. a tr simple conjurer, was proud of being p; able to render my country a service. ] It is known that the majority of re- c| volts which have to be suppressed In tl Algeria was excited by Intriguers, who tl say they are inspired by the Prophet. |r and are regarded by the Arabs as envoys of God on earth to deliver them f< from the oppression of the Roumi d (Christians). tl These false prophets and holy Ma- c| rabouts, who are no more sorcerers f, than I am. and Indeed even less so. tl still contrive to influence the fanatl- a cism of their coreligionists oy incus t, as primitive as are the spectators be- fj fore whom they are performed. The government was, therefore, anxious a to destroy their pernicious influence, b and reckoned upon me to do so. They tl hoped, with reason, by the aid of my n experiments, to prove to the Arabs ^ that the tricks of their Marabouts tl were mere child's play, and owing to their simplicity could not be done by 0 an envoy from heaven: which also led h us very naturally to show them that S| we are their superiors in everything. n and that, as for sorcerers, there are u none like the French. ? Presently I will describe the sue- ti cess obtained by these skillful tactics. Three months were to elapse be- v ' tween the day of my acceptance and tj that of my departure, which I em- a ployed in arranging a complete reper- j, tory of my best tricks, and left St. c Gervais on the 10th of September. I s will give no account of my passage. 0 further than to say no sooner was I g at sea than I wished I had arrived, f ? and after thirty-six hours' navigation. M I greeted the capital of our colony |j W with indescribable delight. v I was expected. An officer came off j in a neat boat and took me to the Ho- , tel d'Orient. where a handsome suite p ^ of rooms was retained for me. The w hcia liahovait nnhlv for I t, was lodged like a prince. From the ^ window of my sitting-room I could j. survey the roads of Algiers, and the n prospect was only bounded by the a horizon. The sea is always lovely i when seen from a window; thus each morning I admired it. and pardoned j; its past slight insults. j From my hotel I also gazed on a the magnificent Government square, g planted with orange-trees, such as ^ cannot be seen in France. They were a at this season laden with flowers and s perfectly ripe fruit. Mine. Robert p Houdln and myself delighted in sitting ,? beneath their shade at nightfall and eating ice before the doorway of an tl Algerian tortoni, while inhaling the ii perfumed breeze borne to us from t< the sea. Next to this pleasure, nothing interested us so much as observ- tl ing the immense variety of persons g moving around us. tl (When I arrived at Algiers. M. de tl Neveu told me that as a portion of g Kabylia had revolted, the marshal- v governor had started with an expedi- tl tlonary corps to suppress it. In con- p sequence of this, the fetes to which the Arab chiefs were to be invited n were deferred for a month, and my e i* 4- 4 4" 4* 4 4* 4 4 4* 4 4* algeria | v 4> agician 4 f ified the Arabs HOUDIN ^ f ^ ^ ^ erformances put off for the same pelod. "I have now to ask you," the coloel added, "if you will sign this new ngagement?" "Mon colonel!" I Replied, in a jocuir tone, "I consider myself in military mploy. As I depend on the goveror, I will be faithful to my post, hatever may happen." "Very good, M. Robert Houdin," le colonel said with a laugh; "you ehave like a true French soldier, nd the colony will owe you thanks >r it. At the same time we will try > make your service in Algeria as ght as possible. We have given orers at your hotel that madame and ourself may have no cause to regret ?e comfort you left in order to come ere. If, while awaiting your official erformances, you might like to emloy your leisure evenings at the town teatre, the governor places it at your 1 tk-lnn o thfl flthPT dftVS elonging to the operatic company. This proposition suited me admiraly. and I saw three advantages in It: le first, to get my hand in, for I had ft the stage for two years; the secnd, to try my experiments on the iwn Arabs: the third, to pocket a ?ry welcome sum of money. I acjpted; but when I began to thank M. e Neveu. he said: "It is our place to thank you: for, y giving performances at Algiers uring the Kabylian expedition, you ill render us a great service. "How colonel?" "By employing the minds of the Alerians, we prevent them speculating 0 the results of the campaign, which light be very injurious to the govrnment." "That being so, I will set to work at nee." The colonel started the next day to >in the marshal, having previously anded me over to the civil authorles; that is to say, he had introduced le to M. de Guiroye, mayor of the ?wn. who displayed extreme kindness 1 facilitating the arrangements for ty exhibition. The Journals had announced my srformances, and this statement imlediately aroused a newspaper warire in the Algerian press, the strangeess of which contributed no little to ive increased publicity to my repremtations. "Robert Houdin," one paper said, :annot be at Algiers, for we see daily nnounced in the Paris papers, 'Rob*t Houdin every evening at eight clock.' " "And why," another Journal Inquir1 pleasantly, "should not Robert [oudin perform in Algiers, and yet ?maln all the while In Paris? Do e not know that this sorcerer pos?sses the gift of ubiquity, and that e often gives performances at Paris, ome, and Moscow on the same evenig?" The discussion went on thus for ?veral days, some denying my presnce, others affirming it. On the 28th of October, the day apointed for my first performance be>re the Arabs, I reached my post at n early hour, and could enjoy the ght of their entrance into tne tnea e. Each goum. drawn up in comanles, was introduced separately, and d in perfect order to the places tiosen for it in advance. Then came le turn of the chiefs, who seated lemselves with all the gravity becomig their character. Their introduction lasted some time, >r these sons of nature could not unerstand that they were boxed up ius, side by side, to enjoy a spectale, and our comfortable seats far om seeming so to them, bothered tern strangely. I saw them fidgeting bout for some time, and trying to jck their legs under them, after the ishion of European tailors. Marsha! Randon. with his family nd suite, occupied the two stageoxes to the right of the stage, while le prefect and other civilian authories sat exactly facing him. As for ol. de Neveu, he was everywhere as tie arranger of the festival. The Kaids, agas. bash-agas, and ther titled Arabs held the places of onor, for they occupied the orchestral tails and the dress-circle. In the lidst of them were several privileged fticers, and, lastly, the interpreters ere mingled among the spectators, to ranslate my remarks to them. This strange medley of spectators as indeed a most curious sight. The ress-circle, more especially, presented n appearance as grand as it was im>osing. Some sixty Arab chiefs, lothed in their red mantles (the ymbol of their submission to France), n which one or more decorations listened, gravely awaited my perormance with majestic dignity. I have performed before many brlliant assemblies, but never before one rhich struck me so much as this, lowever. the impression I felt on the ise of the curtain, far from paralyzng me. on the contrary inspired me ith a lively sympathy with the speeators. whose faces seemed so well repared to accept the marvels promsed them. As soon as I walked up n the stage. I felt quite at my ease, ml enjoyed, in anticipation, the sight was going to amuse myself with. I felt, I confess, rather inclined to tugh at myself and my audience, for stepped forth, wand in hand, with II the cravitv of a real sorcerer. it ill. I did not give way. for I was ere not merely to amuse a curious nd kind public, I must produce a tat tling effect upon coarse minds and rejudices, for I was enacting the part f a French Marabout. Compared with the simple tricks of heir pretended sorcerers, my expernents must appear perfect miracles o the Arabs. I commenced my performance in he most profound?I might almost ay religious?silence, and the attenlon of the spectators was so great hat they seemed petrified. Their ttners alone, moving nervously, played ,*ith the beads of their rosaries, while hey were doubtlessly, invoking the rotection of the Most High. This apathetic condition did not suit ne. for I had not come to Algeria to xhibit a waxwork exhibition. I want ed movement, animation, life In fact, around me. I changed my tactics, and, Instead of generalizing my remarks, I addressed them more especially to some of the Arabs, whom I stimulated by my words, and still more by my actions. The astonishment then gave way to a more expressive feeling, which was soon evinced by noisy outbursts. This was especially the case when I produced cannon-balls from a hat, for my spectators, laying aside their gravity, expressed their delighted admiration by the strangest and most energetic gestures. Then came?greeted by the same success?the bouquet of flowers, produced instantaneously from a hat; the "cornucopia," supplying a multitude of objects, which I distributed, though unable to satisfy the repe; ted demands made on all sides, and still more by those who had their hands full already; the flve-franc pieces, sent across the theatre into a crystal box, suspended above the spectators. One trick I should much have liked to perform was the "inexhaustible bottle," so appreciated by the Parisians and the Manchester "hands"; but I could not employ it in this performance, for it is well known the followers of Mohammed drink no fermented liquor?at least not publicly. Hence, I substituted the following with considerable advantage: I took a silver cup, like those called "punch-bowls" in the Parisian cafes. I unscrewed the foot, and passing my wand through it showed that the vessel contained nothing; then, having refitted the two parts, I went to the center of the pit, when, at my command, the bowl was magically filled with sweatmeats, which was by passing my hand thrice over the bowl, found to be excellent. The sweatmeats exhausted, I turned the bowl over, and proposed to fill it with excellent colTee; so, gravely a dense vapor immediately issued from it, and announced the presence of the fragrant liquid. The bowl was ~a *i>V?IaVi T rvnn rnrl I U11 Ul UUI1IXI5 UUIICC, nuiuil X (/vuivu into cups, and offered to my astounded spectators. The first cups were accepted, so to speak, only under protest; for not an Arab would consent to moisten his lips with a beVerage which he thought came straight from Satan's kitchen; but, insensibly seduced by the perfume of their favorite liquor, and urged by the interpreters, some of the boldest decided on tasting the magic liquor, and all soon followed their example. The vessel, rapidly emptied, was repeatedly filled with equal rapidity; and it satisfied all demands, like my inexhaustible bottle, and was borne back to the stage still full. But it was not enough to amuse my spectators; I must also, in order to fulfill the object of my mission, startle and even terrify them by the display of a supernatural power. My arrangements had all been made for this purpose, and I had reserved for the end of my performance three tricks, which must complete my reputation as a sorcerer. Many of my readers will remember having seen at my performances a small but solidly built box, which, being handed to the spectator, becomes heavy or light at my order. A child my raise it with ease, and yet the most powerful man could not move it. I advanced with my box in my hand to the center of the "practicable," leading from the stage to the pit; then, addressing the Arabs, I said to them: "From what you have witnessed, you will attribute a supernatural power to me. and you are right. I will give you a new proof of my marvelous authority, by showing that I can deprive the most powerful man of his strength and restore it at my will. Any one who thinks himself strong enough to try the experiment may draw near me." (I spoke slowly, in order to give the interpreters time to translate my words). An Arab of middle height, but well built and muscular, as so many of the Arabs are, came to my side with great assurance. "Are you very strong?" I said to him. measuring him from head to foot. "Oh. yesf" he said carelessly. "Are you sure you will always remain so?" "Quite so." "You are mistaken; for In an instant I will rob you of your strength, and you shall become as a little child." The Arab smiled disdainfully as a sign of his incredulity. "Stay." I continued, "lift up this box." The Arab stooped, lifted up the box, and said to me, coldly. "Is that all?" "Wait!" I replied. Then, with all possible gravity, I made an imposing gesture, and solemnly pronounced the words: "Behold! vou are weaker than a woman. Now, try to lift the box." The Hercules, quite cool as to my conjuration, seized the box once again by the handle, and give it a violent tug: but this time the box resisted. and, in spite of his most vigorous efforts, would not budge an inch. The Arab vainly expended on this unlucky box a strength which would have raised an enormous weight, until. at length, exhausted, panting, and red with anger, he stopped, became thoughtful, and began to comprehend the influence of magic. He was on the point of withdrawing; but that would be allowing his weakness, and that he. hitherto respected for his vigor, had become as a little child. This thought rendered him almost mad. Deriving fresh strength from the encouragements of his friends offered him by word and deed, he turned a glance around at them, which seemed to say: "You will see what a son of the desert can do." He bent once again over the box: his nervous hands twined round the handle, and his legs, placed on either side like two bronze columns, served as a support for the final effort. Hut. wonder of wonder! this Hercules. a moment since so strong and proud, now bows his head: his arms, riveted to the box. undergo a violen' muscular contraction: his legs give way. and lie falls on his knees with a JtMl ??i UK^ii.v* An electric shock, produced by an inductive apparatus, had been passed, on a signal from me, from the farther end of the stage into the handle of the box. Hence the contortions of the poor Arab! It would have been cruelty to prolong this scene. I gave a second signal, and the electric current was immediately intercepted. My athlete, freed from his terrible bondage, raised his hands above his head. "Allah! Allah!" he exclaimed, full of terror: then wrapping himself up quickly in the folds of his burnous, as if to hide his disgrace, he rushed through the ranks of the spectators and gained the front entrance. With the exception of my stageboxes and the privileged spectators who appeared to take great pleasure In this experiment, my audience had become grave and silent, and I heard the words "Shaltan!" "DJenoum!" passing in a murmur around the circle of credulous men, who, while gazing on me, seemed astonished that I possessed none of the physical qualities attributed to the angel of darkness. I allowed my public a few moments to recover from the emotion produced by my experiment and the flight of the herculean Arab. One of the means employed by the Marabouts to grain Influence in the eyes of the Arabs is by causing a belief in their invulnerability. One of them, for instance, ordered a gun to be loaded and fired at him, but in vain did the flint produce a shower of sparks; the Marabout pronounced some cabalistic words, and the gun did not explode. The mystery was simple enough; the gun did not go off because the Marabout had skillfully stopped up the vent. Col. de Neveu explained to me the importance of discrediting such a miracle by opposing to it a sleight-ofhand trick far superior to it and I had the very article. I Informed the Arabs that I possessed a talisman rendering me invulnerable and I defied the best marksman In Algeria to hit me. I had hardly utered the words when an Arab, who had attracted my notice by the attention he had paid to my tricks. Jumped over four rows of seats, and disdaining the use of the "practicable," crossed the orchestra, upsetting flutes, clarionets, and violins, leaped upon the stage, burning himself at the foot-lights, and then said in excellent French: "I will kill you!" An immense burst of laughter greeted both the Arab's picturesque ascent and his murderous intentions, while an interpreter who stood near me told me I had to deal with a Marabout. 4 "You wish to kill me!" I replied, imitating his accent and the inflection of his voice. "Well, I reply, that though you are a sorcerer, I am still a greater one, and you will not kill me." I held a cavalry pistol In my hand, which I presented to him. "Here, take this weapon, and assure yourself it has undergone no preparation." The Arab breathed several times down the barrel, then through the nipple, to assure himself there was a communication between them, and after carefully examlng the pistol, said: "The weapon is good, and I will kill you." "As you are determined, and for more certainty, put in a double charge of powder, and a wad on top." "It Is done." "Now, here is a leaden ball. Mark it with your knife, so as to be able to recognize It, and put It in the pistol with a second wad." "It is done." "Now that you are quite sure your pistol Is loaded, and that it will ex pioae, leu me, uu you icci no (eiiiuroc, no scruple about killing me thus, although I authorize you to do so?" "No, for I wish to kill you," the Arab repeatedly coldly. Without replying I put an apple on the point of a knife, and, standing a few yards from the Marabout, ordered him to fire. "Aim straight at the heart." I said to him. My opponent aimed Immediately, without the slightest hesitation. The pistol exploded, and the bullet lodged in the center of the apple. I carried the talisman to the Marabout. who recognized the ball which he had marked. I could not say that this trick produced greater stupefaction than the one preceding it; but at any rate, the spectators, palsied by surprise and terror, looked around In silence, seeming to think, "What have we got here?" A pleasant scene, however, soon unwrlnkled many of the faces. The Marabout, though stupefied by his defeat, had not lost his wits; so, profiting by the moment when he returned me the pistol, he seized the apple, thrust it into his belt, and could not be induced to return it, persuaded as he was that he possessed in it an Incomparable talisman. ** Among the Arabs who had invited me to visit them, Bou-Allem. a bashaga. had pressed me so strongly that I decided to begin my series of visits by journeying to him. His house was one that might have been considered a princely residence owing to the extent of the building. As in all Arab houses, only the walls could be seen from without; all the windows looked into the court-yards, or the gardens. Pou-Allem and his son. warned of our arrival, came out to meet us, and paid us compliments In Arabic, which I did not understand. After dinner we entered a small room, very elegantly decorated, in which there were two divans. "This." our host said, "is the room reserved for guests of distinction: you can go to bed when you like, but if you are not tired, I would ask your leave to present to you several chief men of my tribe who, having heard of you. wish to see you." "Let them come In." I said: "we will receive them with pleasure." The interpreter went out, and soon brought in a dozen old men, among whom were a Marabout and several talebs. whom the bash-aga appeared to hold in great deference. They sat down in a circle on carpets, and kept up a very lively conversation about my performances at Algiers. This learned society discussed the probability of the marvels rehv tho nhiof nf thf? trlhp who took great pleasure in depicting his impressions and those of his coreligionists at the sight of the miracles I had performed. Each lent an attentive ear to these stories and regarded me with a species of veneration: the Marabout alone displayed a degree of skepticism, and asserted that the spectators had been duped by what he called a vision. Jealous of my reputation as a French sorcerer, I thought I must perform before the unbeliever a few tricks as a specimen of my late performance. I had the pleasure of astounding my audience, but the Marabout continued to offer me a systematic opposition, by which his neighbors were visibly annoyed: the poor fellow did not suspect, though, what I had in store for him. My antagonist wore in his sash a watch, the chain of which hung outside. I possess a certain talent for filching i a watch, a pin, a pockethook, etc., with a skill by which several of my friends have been victimized, i I was fortunately born with an honest and upright heart, or this peculiar talent might have led me too far. When I felt inclined for a Joke of this nature, I turned It to profit in a conjuring trick, or waited till my friend took leave of me, and then recalled him: "Stay," I would say, handing him the stolen article, "let this serve as a lesson to put you on your guard against persons less honest than myself," But to return to our Marabout. I had stolen his watch as I passed near him, and slipped into its place a five iranc pieue. To prevent his detecting it, and while waiting till I could profit by my larceny, I improvised a trick. After juggling away Bou-Allem's rosary, I made it pass into one of the numerous slippers left at the door by the guests; this shoe was next found to be full of coins, and to end this little scene comically, I made five-franc pieces come out of the noses of the spectators. They took such pleasure in this trick that I fancied I should never terminate it. "Douros! Douros!" they shouted, as they twitched their noses. I willingly acceded to their request, and the douros issued at command. The delight was so great that several Arabs rolled on the ground; this coarsely expressed Joy on the part of Mohammedans was worth frenzied applause to me. I pretended to keep aloof from the Marabout, who, as I expected, remained serious and Impassive. When calm was restored, my rival began speaking hurriedly to his neighbors, as if striving to dispel their Illusion, and, not succeeding, he addressed me through the interpreter: "You will not deceive me In that way," he said, with a crafty look. "Why so?" "Because I don't believe in your power." "Ah, indeed! Well, then, If you do not believe in my power, I will compel you to believe in my skill." "Neither in one nor the other." I was at this moment the whole length of the room from the Marabout. "Stay," I said to him! "you see this five-franc piece!" "Yes." "Close your hand firmly, for the piece will go into it in spite of yourself." "I am ready," the Arab said, in an incredulous voice, as he held out his tightly closed fist. I took the piece at the end of my fingers, so that the assembly might all see It, then, feigning to throw it at the Marabout, it disappeared at the word "Pass!" My man opened his hand and finding nothing in it, shrugged his shoulders, ~ 1 ? *? ?? ? "Vaaa T vaii an " CIS 1 L IU SttJ, 1 wu OCC, A bUlU J vu uw. I was well aware that the piece was not there, but It was Important to draw the Marabout's attention momentarily from the sash, and for this purpose I employed the feint. "That does not surprise me," I replied, "for I threw the piece with much strength that It went right through your hand, and has fallen Into your sash. Being afraid I might break your watch by the blow, I called it to me; here it is!" And I showed him the watch In my hand. The Marabout quickly put his hand In his waist-belt, to assure himself of the truth, and was quite stupefied at finding the five-franc piece. The. spectators were astonished. Some among them began telling their beads with a vivacity evidencing a certain agitation of mind; but the Marabout frowned without saying a word, and I saw he was spelling over some evil design. "I now believe in your supernatural power," he said; "you are a real sorcerer; hence I hope you will not fear to repeat here a trick you performed In your theatre." And offering me two pistols, which he held concealed beneath his burnoose, he added: "Come, choose one of these pistols. We will load it and I will fire at you. You have nothing to fear, as you can ward off all injuries." I confess that I was for a moment staggered. I sought a subterfuge, but found none. All eyes were fixed upon me. and a reply was anxiously awaited. The Marabout was triumphant. Bou-Allem, being aware that my "-oft. Anlv thtt rtwillt nf skill. was angry that his guest should be so pestered; hence he began reproaching the Marabout. I stopped him, however, for an idea had occurred to me which would save me from my dilemma, ai least temporarily; then, addressing my adversary: "You are aware," I said with assurance. "that I require a talisman in order to be invulnerable, and, unfortunately, I have left mine at Algiers." The Marabout began laughing with an incredulous air. "Still," I continued, "I can. by remaining six hours at prayers, do wlth, out the talisman, and defy your weapon. To morrow morning, at 8 o'clock, I will allow you to fire at me in the | presence of these Arabs, who were witnesses of your challenge." Bou Allem. astonished at such u promise, asked me once again if this offer were serious, and if he should invite the company for the appointed hour. On my affirmative, they agreed | to meet before a stone-bench which , they knew of. I did not spend my night at prayers. as may be supposed, but I employed about two hours in insuring my invulnerability. Then, satisfied with the result, I slept soundly, for I was , very tired. By eight the next morning we had breakfast, our horses were saddled and our escort was awaiting the signal for our departure, which would take place after the famous experiment. None of the guests were absent, and indeed, a great number of Arabs came in to swell the crowd. ?I?*a1O VionrioH mo * f PflU 1 lie piaiisio ncic UU..UVV. ...vt - ed attention to the fact that the vents were clear, and the Marabout put in a fair charge of powder and drove the wad home. Among the bullets produced. I chose one which I openly put into the pistol, and which was then also covered with paper. The Arab watched all these movements. for his honor was at stake. We went through the same process with the second pistol, and the solemn moment arrived. Solemn, indeed, it seemed to everybody?to the spectators who were uncertain of the issue, to Madame Houdin. who had in vain besought me to give up this trick, for she feared the result?and solemn also to me, for as my new trick did not depend on any of the arrangements made at Algiers, I feared an error, or some act of treachery?I knew not what. Still. I posted myself at fifteen paces from the sheik, without evincing the slightest emotion. The Marabout Immediately seized one of the pistols, and, on my giving the signal, took deliberate aim at me. The pistol went off, and?the ball appeared between my teeth. More angry than ever, my rival tried to seize the other pistol, but I succeeded in reaching it before him. "You could not injure me," I said to him; "but you shall now see that my aim is more dangerous than yours. Look at that wall." I pulled the trigger, and on the newly whitewashed wall appeared a large splash of blood, exactly at the spot where I had aimed. The Marabout went up to it, dipped his finger in the blood, and, raising it Kin month nnnvlnpoH hlmaolf ftf thft reality. When he acquired this certainty his arms fell, and his head fras bowed on his chest, as if he were annihilated. It was evident that for the moment he doubted everything:, even the Prophet. The spectators raised their eyes to heaven, muttered prayers, and viewed me with a look of terror. This scene was a triumphant determination to my performance. I therefore retired, leaving the audience under the Impression that I produced. We took leave of Bou-Allem and his son, and set off at a gallop. The trick I have Just described, though so curious, is easily arranged. I will give a description of it, while explaining the trouble it took me. As soon as I was alone in my room, I took out of my pistol-case?without which I never travel?a bullet-mold. I took a card, bent up the four edges, and thus made a sort of trough In which I placed a piece of wax taken from one of the candles. When it was melted I mixed with a little lampblack I had obtained by putting the blade of a knife over the candle, nnri than ran this comDosition in the bullet-mold. Had I allowed the liquid to become quite cold, the ball would have been full and solid; but In about ten seconds I turned the mold over, and portions of the wax not set ran out, leaving a hollow In the mold. This operation Is the same as that used In making tapers, the thickness of the outside depending on the time the liquid has been left In the mold. I wanted a second ball, which I made rather more solid than the other; and this I filled with blood, and covered the orifice with a lump of wax. An Irishman had once taught me the way to draw blood from the thumb, without feeling any pain, and I employed It on this occasion to fill my bullet. Bullets thus prepared bear an extraordinary resemblance to lead, and are easily mistaken for that metal when seen at a short distance off. With this explanation the trick will be easily understood. After showing the leaden bullet to the spectators, I changed it for my hollow ball, and nnonlr nnt the latter into the I)l8tOl. By pressing the wad very tightly down, the wax had broken into small pieces, and could not touch me at the distance I stood. At the moment the pistol was flred, I opened my mouth to display the lead bullet I held between my teeth, while the other pistol contained the bullet filled with blood, which bursting against the wall, left Its imprint, though the wax had flown to atoms. SHOP RUN ON BIBLE LINES. Owner Find Christianity Pays In Business. There is a drug store in Chicago that is being successfully conducted by a man who is guided in all things by the question, "What would Jesus do?"?in other words, on the principles set forth by the Rev. Charles M. Sheldon of Topeka, Kan., in his book, "In His Steps; or. What would Jesus do?" The owner is Oliver J Freeman, and the store is at 1127 Sheffield avenue. At first he found the road rough; but today he has passed the experimental stage and has a paying business. Cigars and tobacco cannot be purchased in Mr. Freeman's store at any price. They are not in the stock. Nothing can be purchased on the Sabbath except prescriptions that are absolutely necessary*. Not even a cough drop or a stick of gum is sold on the Sabbath and telephone service Is not permitted on that day, except to call physicians In urgent cases. In each of the display windows a sign is strung each Sunday which reads: 'Remember the Sabbath Day to Keep It Holy. Nothing but necessary articles sold, on Sunday." And that rule is rigidly enforced by Mr. Freeman. Mr. Freeman ha3 followed this principle for years and he is emphatic in the declaration that It pays. Although his store is almost in the extreme northern part of the city, he enjoys a prosperous business. His prices are probably higher than those of any of the other outlying drug stores, but his receipts equal those of some of the drug stores in the down town district. Ten clerks are kept busy week days. "Yes. the application of Christian ideas to one's business is a good thing." said Mr. Freeman. "Christianity is a good thing at all times and in all places, business included. It is a good thing for nature, and it is a good thing for the citizens. "I let the Bible govern my business, my family and all my affairs, and I assure you it governs very well indeed. For years I have conducted my business as I believed Jesus would have it conducted. "My store is closed on the Sabbath to all business except the filling of absolutely necessary and urgent prescriptions. I do not sell tobacco in any form. "I must confess that I found it difficult to bring my ideas into practical use at first. I have lost many customcm hpcnnsp I have steadllv refused to be swayed. "However, the gain over the losses was such that the business slowly grew, until ten clerks are kept busy. Some customers Insisted on being served with cigars and left angrily on learning that I kept no tobacco on sale. Others insisted on buying unnecessary articles on the Sabbath, but I stuck steadily to my resolutions. "I came to Chicago in 1891 penniless, and almost friendless. I was married and my brother lent me $2,000, and with that capital I started in business where I am now located. My business has been confined to this particular locality all these years. Almost all my patronage comes from regular customers. who agree with me in my views. I am a member of the Methodist church." The Chinese never use butter in any form. In Africa vegetable butter made from the fruit of the shea tree is used by the natives, and is said to have a much ricer flavor than that made from cow's milk. THE YORKVIL FOR Annual Club C Opened to ] POUR MIAMI DOLLAR Valuable Itnfory (or Largest The yorkville enquirer is County Newspaper Published In th( people of York and surrounding countl rectly Informed on all the important de all that is best in their educational, in< owned and controlled absolutely by Its of long experience, and who yield all< than the particular welfare of their fel in such measure as it may be able to g endeavor. The price of a single subscription $2.00, and for six months, $1.00. nf trri w ^liVD I The price of THE ENQUIRER to names is 11.75 per annum. CLUBMi All persons who may feel bo incli elsewhere, are invited to act as Clubmi ance with the terms and conditions be that may be made in the direction of i QUIRER, and we shall see to it also the sation in proportion to such service as TWO HIGH CL For the TWO LARGEST CLUBS with the conditions herein specified, we gles ?for the Largest Club a COURTLA local market for $85, and for the Secc BUGGT, which retails on the local mat are on sale by Messrs. Carroll Bros., of tion at their repository. They will be < company them to purchasers who pay OTHER PR] In addition to the Buggies, as lead- i era, to be given away to the two club- | maKers wno return ana pay mr mo | two largest clubs, regardless of the j number of names these clubs contain, | whether one hundred or four hundred, we offer a number of special premiums In proportion to size as follows: For Four Names. A Stylographlc Fountain Pen; a handsome Three-Bladed Pocket Knife with name and address on the handle, or one of the late new novels that retail for 11.00. For Five Names. A year's subscription to either one of the following Magazines: McClure's, Ladies' Home Journal, Munsey, Argosy, Scrap Book. Cosmopolitan, Saturday Evening Post, or either of the following: A "Champion" stem Winding Watch, a gold pointed Fountain Pen or a four-bladed PockI et Knife. For Sik Names. An "Eclipse" Stem Winding Watch, Hamilton Model 15, 22-calibre Rifle, a year's subscription to the Christian Herald, a 22-String Zlthern or any one of the new popular $1.60 novels. For Eight Names. An Ingersole "Triumph" Watch, a Daisy Repeating Air Rifle?works like a Winchester?a fine Razor or a Pocket Knife, a Rapid Writer Fountain Pen?plain case; or a Hopf Model Violin or an 8-inch Banjo. For Ten Names. One year's subscription to THE ENQUIRER, a No. 2 Hamilton 22calibre Rifle?model 11, the Youth's Companion one year, or a gold mounted Fountain Pen, a good Banjo, Guitar or Violin. For Twenty Names. Crack-Shot Stevens Rifle, a 10-oz. Canvas Hunting Coat, a No. 1 Ejector Single Barrel Breech-Loading Shot Gun, the Century or Harper's Magazine. For Thirty Names. A Olnala DUUCr UL lac ivauniuQ. a wino?o Barrel Hammerless Shot Oun, a fine Toilet or Washstand Set, a Hopkins & Allen, Jr., 22 Calibre Rifle, or a So. 13 Oliver Turn Plow. For Forty Names. A fine Mandolin, Guitar or Banjo, a New York Standard Open Face Watch, a W. Richards Double-Barrel Breech-Leading Shot Gun. For Fifty Names. A Winchester or Colt's Repeating Rifle, 22-callbre; or a Baker Double Barrel Breech-Loading Gun. Anything Desired. We will arrange to furnish any special article desired by a club-makL. M. GRIST'S SOP 9tT We are Wholesale and Retail Agents for the products of the Limestone Springs Lime Works, Gaffney, S. C. Building Material If you expect to BUILD in WOOD, STONE. BRICK. CEMENT BLOCKS, or anything else, it will be to your interest to see us before you decide all the details. We build everything (except castles In the air) and will be pleased to furnish you with estimates on Materials, Part of the Work, or all of the Work, as may please you. In any event see us before you begin operations?we may be able to save you money on Lumber, Hardware. Lime, Cement, Fibre Plastering, and then too, you want to be sure that you nave it in your uunuati mat Lite painting Is to be done with DEVOE PAINT?If you do you'll certainly get the BEST Paint obtainable. J. J. KELLER & CO. 'I1 ^ I * 1 iDisa i WE HAVE JUST RECEIVED 2 DISC PLOWS in TTiree and Two 1 2 We Guarantee them to do Got A Ground, on Hillsides or Level Lan< T age from defects for twelve mont! I GLEISnxr 8c LE ENQUIRER 1907. Competition has Everybody. S WORTH OF PREMIUMS ' Each of the Two ; Clubs. the largest Home Print Semi-We?kly e South. It is edited especially for the es, and its object is to keep them cor* velopments of the day, and to promote iustrial, political and social life. It la publishers, who are newspaper peopls igiance to no Interest or policy other low citizens, and it seeks support only lve value received along the line of its to THE ENQUIRER for one year is IATE8. i clubmakers in clubs of two or mo**. IKCRfi ned, whether living in this county or ikers for THE ENQUIRER in accordslow. We shall appreciate any efforts extending the circulation of THE EN-. it our friends receive material compenthey may render in this respect. ASS BUGGIES. returned and paid for in accordance i propose to give Two High Class BugND TOP BUGGY, which retails on tag' >nd Largest Club a ROCK HILL TOP -ket for t65.00. Both of these Buggies' Yorkvllle and may be seen on exhlblcovered by all the guarantees that acthe regular retail prices. ^ SMIUMS: er for a given number of names on application to this office. TIME TO BEGIN. The time for clubmakers to begin work in competition for the foregoing offers is RIGHT NOW. Let ail names, whether old or new, be returned as rapidly as secured, so they may be properly entered upon our books. TERMS AND CONDITIONS. Two Six Months Subscribers at $1 each will be considered the equivalent of one yearly subscriber at $1.76, and so counted. A subscription paid for two or more years in advance at $1.76 will be counted as one name for each year so paid. Clubmakers willjte held personally responsible for the payment of all names returned by them. After a clubmaker has returned and paid for any name, he can, at any time thereafter, discontinue the sending of the paper to the person for whom he has paid and transfer the unexpired term to any other person, provided the person to whom the transfer is desired was not a subscriber at the time the original name was entered on our books^. m * * No name will be counted in competition for a premium until the subscription price has been paid; nor will any premium be delivered until a satisfactory settlement has been made tor all names returned by the clubmaker. Persons who commence making clubs will not be permitted to transfer their club to another clubmaker'a list after the names have been entered on our books. It is not necessary that names on a club should all be at the same postoffice. Names may be taken at any nnmhfr of nlofpa All subscriptions must be forwarded to us at the expense of those send-' lng them. We will be responsible for the safe transmission of money only when sent by draft, registered letter or money order drawn on the Xorkvllle postofflce. in sending names write plainly, and give postottice, county and state. All subscriptions will be discontinued at the expiration of the time paid for. A separate list will be kept for each clubmaker, who will be credited with each name sent, so that the number sent by any clubmaker may be ascertained at a moment's notice. In case of a tie for either premium. , two weeks will be allowed in which to work off the tie. The time in which names may be returned under our propositions will commence NOW, and expire at I o'clock p. m., on the Second Wednee-. day In March, 1?07. After the closing of this contest on the second Wednesday in March. 1907, no single yearly subscription will be received for less than the yearly subscription price, $2.00 except new clubs are formed. (8, Yorkville, S. (J. Always at Your Command THE MONEY YOU DEPOSIT IN THI8 BANK. "IT'8 SAFE!" The First National Bank, Yorkville, S. C. I******#***************#*** I ) I I ? 7 DLO"WS j| A CARLOAD OF REVERSIBLE \ \ lorse Sizes. * I? k1 Work on Dry, Sticky or Trashy ? > 1, and WARRANT against break- j [ hs. <> ALLISON i!