The morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1899-1930, 1908-05-20

u on and lend II 10 me wid1h ASK ror
III"
Mrs. Thearle clapped her hands. u
knew that you would think out some
way" she declared. "shalI | ask you
as soon as we get back to the bali
roomY,
TN about quarter Of an hour" he
explained. Don't let IT look too cut
and dried"
Blake slipped out Of the conservatory
by another door, aud his surprise was
well simulated when he was asked "a
perform q few tricks. Mrs. Thearle
had only to make the suggestion, fof
the other guests eagerly took up the
matter. Paul Blake had at one time
thought Of going upon the stage, FOR
he was a more than ordinarily clever
performer, and only the unexpected In
heritanec from a grcat-uncIe had head
ca or q professional career.
OF late be had refused all requests to
perform In drawing rooms, as the de-
inands upon his good nature had be-
come too frequent, so there was the
promise Of novelty In his performance
after two seasons Of retirement.
He rapidly arranged his improyised
stage with couple Of tables and such
simple properties as he Aould obtain
from bis hostess, while thesguests stop
ped dancing to crowd around and
watch his really clever work.
Here's new one he announced
after he had performed routine OF
familiar yanlshments and appearances.
"FoT this | want piece OF Jewelry--a
watch, a ring, anything"
A dozen articles were offered, for a
number Of times he had drawn upon
the audience for handkerchiefs and
other small loans. Without seeming
to make any particular selection Blake
took the bracelet that Mrs. Thearle
offered and palmed It while be pre-
tended to wrap 1t in borrowed hand
kerchief, which be gave to Mrs
Thearle to hold.
you are positive that you feel the
bracelet in the handkerchief" he ask
ed, and Mrs. Thearle in answer to an
almost imperceptlble nod declared in
the affirmative. Blake gave her closed
hand tap with the fan he used as 0
wand.
do you feel 1t nowf' be asked.
Mrs Thearle gave well simulated
cry Of surprise and at Blake's direc-
ton unrolled the handkerchief to show
that 1t was empty.
IF the count will oblige me by TAX
ing the bracelet from his pocket, Mrs.
Thearle will identify 1t as her prop
erty," announced Blake, stepping to.
ward the surprised foreigner.
Before the count could act he had
thrust his hand within the pocket and
obtained possession Of the stolen brace
let. A quick pass and the bracelet
hAASA nt hAQ DOllOnG0 AIOAh Mis-
Thearle was in Blake's hand and the
other was In his pocket.
Later the stolen property was CON
veniently found by servant and hand
ed to It's owner, and Blake's trick was
not thought Of in connection with the
find.
1T was beautifully done," praised
Mrs Thearle as he fingered after the
rest had gone "No one suspected. /
Just knew that II accused the count
he would insist upon making scene.
He Is that sort Of man.
"As 1t was. he found the trick a de-
cided surprise" said Blake. with
reminiscent laugh. at was worth the
trouble just to see his face"
1T was worth more than that" was
the warm response.
I'm glad you think So" said Blake,
taking possession of her hand. ''for
am going 90 ask the highest fee have
ever demanded. want nothing less
than you. Alma"
II think you have earned your fGe,"
,hn cai,l cfu,rlx