The Kenosha telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1860-1888, 1866-07-05
How a Countryman Sold the French
NeCrOmanCer.
From the Binghamton Republican,

|
Robert Houdin, who has a world wide re-
putation as the greatest prestidigitateur Of
the age, and who gave such a highly sue
cessful exhibition of his powers st the Acad-
envy of Music last evening, to a delighted
audience, was thiG morning made victim
of very neat joke at his expense MIR.
Houdin is the very soul of geniality, ex-
tremeIy affaple in his department modest
in demeanor, and in all respects gentleman.
He was in the office of the Exchange Hotel,
quietly looking over newspapers, when he
was accosted by tall, gaunt specimen of a
Susquehanna lumberman, who exclaimed ::
4 say, you, Guess you had 'em last night.
Them are tricks oyourn beat all creation.
had to smoker right out in meetin'. Darned
eff could help it.
| There was an uncouth politeness about
| the man which at once recommended him
to Houdin, who replied: so you were pleas
ed with the performance
PLEASED Jerusalem, stranger, | was nigh
tickled to death to see them felers dance so;
and then that drink of whiskey golly,
wasn't that first rate ?
Il am glad to hear that you were gratifi-
ed,' quietly responded Houdin. 1t is the
aim of my exhibitions to amuse and instruct
those who attend Them
BY this time number of gentlemen had
gathered around the parties expecting
something rch,' from a peculiar twinkle
which appeared in the great conjurer's eye.
| Houdin continued, Oh, sir. the tricks l per-
formed last night are really nothing to some
that have the power to exhibit
Wall that beats all natur, replied the
/ mon kWbaE ON airth P,,91 Won do
to beat what you done last night | don't
can't do anything right here thatll lay over
what you did in the show place. Guess you
had things .fred about right up there
Houdin thought he had customer and
concluded that he would astonish his weak
nerves. He then very quietly asked
Have you such thing as an old fashion
ed penny about you 7?
wall guess have. Let's see and after
searching about his pockets, he produced
the coin. There stranger said he There's
the contribution. What in the name O.
snakes can you do with that penny p
Change it to ten dollar piece replied
Houdin.
Il guess not
Nothing is more easy. A mere slight
of hand trick
'I'll bet you two dollars and half you
can't do it y
| Done,' said Houdin, who now really be-
gan to relish the fun, but with no intention
of taking the mans money.
The money was properly deposited, and
Houdin said, now hold out your hand
The penny was apparently placed in the
extended palm, and the hand was closed
with convulsive energy.
Presto, papp,' said the great magicia ian.
| Now open your hand
He did so and to his utter establishment
found ten dollar gold piece.
well, sir said Houdin, you see you
have lost your money
4 guess have, said the man with be-
wildered air.
Now said Houdin, 'Ill bet you dol
lar can change the ten dollar gold piece
into your cent again.
No you DON'T said the countryman, plac
ing the ten dollar gold piece in his pocket
and buttoning his coat up tight. Pm oblig-
ed to you, Professor, but reckon I'll leave
it as it is. I'm just satisfied that yer might
do it. Good morning, sir; I'll come uE
and see you to night, sure
Houdip's turn came to be astonished, but
he shirked the joke, saying in his usual qui.
ct way, The man who manages to deceive
so may, must, in turn, expect to be taker
in himself. Gentlemen, what shall we take
Give it name P
We came away without giving anything
a name, but satisfied with our portion of thu
ten dollars worth OF fun.