Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1907-01-08

ed movement, animation, life in fact,
around me.
I changed my tactics, and, instead
of generalizing my remarks, address,
ed them more especially to some Of
the Arabs, whom stimulated by my
words, and still more by my actions.
The establishment then gave way to
more expressive feeling. which was
soon evinced by noisy outbursts.
This was especially the case when
produced cannon-balls from hat, for
my spectators, laying aside their grav-
ity, expressed their delighted admira-
ton by the strangest and most ener-
! getic gestures.
Then came-greeted by the same
success-the bouquet Of flowers, pro-
duced instantaneously from hat; the
"cornucopia," supplying a multitude
of objects, which distributed, though
unable to satisfy the repes led demands
made on all sides, and still more by
those who had their hands full al
ready; the five-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 Paris
ians and the Manchester hands; ;
but could not employ it in this per-
formance, for it is we'll known the
followers Of Mohammed drink no fer
mented liquor-at least not publicly
Hence, 1 substituted the following
with considerable advantage:
took a silver cup, like those call
ed "punch-bowls' in the Partisan
cafes. I unscrewed the foot, and pass
ing my wand through it showed that
the vessel contained nothing; then,
having refitted the two parts, 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, turn
ed the bowl over, and proposed to fill
il with excellent coffee; so, gravely
dense vapor Immediately issued
from it, and announced the presence
of the fragrant liquid. The bowl was
full of boiling coffee, which I poured
into cups, and offered to my astound-
ed 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 re-
peatedly filled with equal rapidity;
and 1t 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 supernatural power.
NV arrangements had all been made
for this purpose, and I had reserved
for the end Of my performance three
tricks, which must complete my rep
utation as a sorcerer.
Many of my readers will remember
having seen at my performances a
small but solidly built box, which, be-
ing 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, said to them:
From what you have witnessed,
you will attribute a supernatural pow
er to me. and you are right. will
give you a new proof Of my marvel
Gus 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-" Q 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. yes!" he said carelessly.
Are you sure you will always re-
main SOP"
"Quite So"
You are mistaken; for in an in
slant I will rob you of your strength.
and you shall become as little child
The Arab smiled disdainfully as a
sign Of his incredulity.
Stay" continued. lift up this
box"
The Arab stopped, lifted up the box,
and said to me. coldly, us that all?"
Wait" I replied.
Then. with all possible gravity, l
made an imposing gesture, and SOL
emnly pronounced the words:
Behold, you 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 re-
sisted, and, in spite of his most vigor-
Gus efforts. would not bulge an inch.
The Arab vainly expended on this
unlucky box a strength which would
have raised an enormous weight, un-
til, at length. exhausted, painting. and
red with anger, he stopped. became
thoughtful. and began to comprehend
the influence of magic.
He was on the point of withdraw
ing: but that would be allowing his
weakness. and that he. hitherto re-
| spected for his vigOr, had become as