The crisis. (Chillicothe, Livingston Co., Mo.) 1877-1878, 1878-01-24
THE MYSTERIES OF SECOND SIGHT.
A Retired nlusionist's Performances
which he Said Outrivalled Heller's.

Newspapers on Monday last contained
the following advertisement;
SECOND SIGHT AND SUPERNATURAL VISION
| Dtaught perfectly by retired Ilusionist Apply al
q Broadway, room &c.
Room 36 more like brokers' office
than the sanctum of professor Of mag.
ic art. A faded walnut screen, Of the
kind common to Wall street offices
rallied off three-quarters of the room
The sole tenant of the place was a
club y-faced, drowsy boy. His cheeks
wer o fat that they fairly pulled his
eyelids open.
"Is this the place where they teach
mind reading?" asked the reporter.
"This is it sir" replied the boy.
"Just take chair, will you? The pro-
fessor will be in in a minute"
The reporter was ushered behind the
rail. In one corner was an electric
battery, ready for use, and in another
a long mystic scroll of black characters,
resembling a Chinese puzzle. The
door swung open, and the professor en-
tered. He is tall, angular man, with
slightly aquiline nose, bushy whiskers
tinged with gray, and a mysteriously
soothing manner. The reporter said
that he wished to see some of the ex-
periments. The professor gracefully
prepared. The boy was placed in n
chair with his back to the audience,
blindfolded with the professors hand
kerchief, and the seance began,
"What is this l hold in my hand,
Georgie?" asked the professor, exhibit
ting Faber No. 2 of monstrous pro-
portions.
"A pencil" replied the youth, calmly.
"And this?" asked the ilIusionist,
taking his watch from his pocket.
"A watch, . responded the boy, with
out hesitation.
What time is it, dear? Answer
quickly"
"Twenty-four minutes past"
WHAT" calculated the professor, in
tones of misplaced confidence.
"Twenty-four minutes to three, -
shouted the young man,
IL thought you knew better" said
the professor, reassuringly, at the same
time pointing triumphantly to the watch
The hands pointed to the precise mo-
ment indicated.
Now, George, attention What's
this?" said the professor, selling his
necktie and rustling it until deaf man
could have heard and guessed what it
was.
Your neck-tie," responded the
youth.
"And this?" grasping a button on
his vest
The correct answer was given.
The SIMS reporter started up with
closed hand. Here, let me ask him
question. Boy, WHAT'S"
The professor raised his hand in Il
deprecatory manner. MY young
friend" he said, "this will never do.
If you were to try this on Robert Heller
he would ask ityou saw any green in
his eye. Why, the very essence of
second sight is that l should first see it
and then he should see it--in his mind,
as it wcre.'
"Butle me ask the question:" plead
ed the reporter.
at cannot be my young friend. No
illusionist in this broad land would allow
you to take such liberties with his per-
formances. You may furnish me with
any article you have about you, and |
will put the interrogatories, but not
otherwise"
The reporter produced a bunch of
keys, photograph, bank note, and
other articles, all of which the young
oracle described with praiseworthy
accuracy.
As final test the professor seized
the reporters right hand, on the little
finger of which was heavy gold ring
of peculiar pattern.
What is this, George? EAnswer
quickly"
"a ring"
What metal?"
Gold"
There" said the professor, letting
the hand fall, don't that satisfy you?"
ASK him to tell you the design,
persisted the reporter.
"That's rather hard thing to ask q
boy Examining the ring, but we will
try"
Whats the design, Georgie?"
For the first time "Georgie" was
silent.
whats the design, George, dear;
answer quickly"
The boy was plainly nonplussed. The
perspiration stood on his forehead ash
moved uneasily In his chair, but there
was no response.
In tones of despair the illusionist re-
peated the question.
The young soothsayer breathed hard.
1t was stager for him, but bya mighty
effort he proved equal for it.
"a buckle" he cried triumphantly.
Right, my son." said the father,
shaking the boys hand, and removing
the bandage from his eyes. your a
credit to the profession"
81 do not say" said Mr.. Wiseman, in
conclusion, "that my system is super
natural; but I do claim that it beats any
of Heller's performances. challenge
the world to produce the equal of that
boy just as he stands"
"What are your terms for imparting
the secret, professor"
One hundred dollars. sir. For that
sum will make you or any one else
fairly proficient in it. It's a splendid
parlor accomplishment, and affords no
end of amusement. Then, if you want
to go on the stage, there's mints of
money in it. Why, I made 100000 in
it myself once"
"Out Of the Depths Have l Called to