of handkerchiefs. In this trick the magician comes on stage showing both his hands empty, back and front. He then pulls up both sleeves and immediately produces a white silk handkerchief (large size) which he hands for examination. Then by simply shaking the handkerchief, he obtains from it about half a dozen other coloured ones usually about 15 inches square. The coloured handkerchiefs are then caused to vanish by simply rolling them up in two hands. They are immediately afterwards reproduced, all tied together by the corners, from the white one. The preparations are as follows:
A slit, about half an inch long, is made in the seam of the trousers, at the right knee, and two of the coloured handkerchiefs, each having a minute piece of blackened cork fastened to the corner by means of a piece of black silk twist are laid down inside of the back of the right leg of the trousers. The corks protrude through the slit made at the knee to enable the magician to instantly draw them out. Two handkerchiefs of different colours are placed in the pocket on the left side. A fifth handkerchief, also prepared with a piece of cork, is placed in the front of the vest, the cork protruding through the watch chain hole. It may seem almost impossible, but the silk may be drawn through this hole very rapidly and quite easily. A sixth handkerchief is contained in the false finger (as described), which should be placed in the right hand trousers pocket.
 
As the handkerchiefs are produced they are thrown over the back of a chair fitted with a network servante behind the top deep rail, where is suspended a vanisher as already described. A ball of six duplicate handkerchiefs, all tied together by the corners, is placed under the front part of your vest, slightly towards the right hand side. The white handkerchief is rolled up into a small compass and tied with a piece of white sewing silk, just strong enough to hold it. It is then placed in the hollow of the arm at the elbow, the arm being slightly bent so as to retain it in its position. The magician upon making his appearance shows his hands, and when in the act of pulling back his sleeves, he secretly obtains possession of the handkerchief, breaks the thread, and develops it slowly. Having had the handkerchief examined and while holding it by the corners, he spreads over the knee as if drawing attention to the fact that it is totally unprepared. Then, in the act of raising it and shaking it the whole of the time he pulls the two coloured handkerchiefs through the slit, in the right leg of the trousers. While developing these in a natural and easy manner, he takes the two from the pocket on the left side. He places the white handkerchief in the left hand to conceal the coloured ones, throwing the other two over the back of the chair. He now produces the two in the left hand in a similar manner throwing them in the front part of his centre table. Then, taking the white handkerchief by the corners, and while turning it around to show both sides, he seizes the piece of cork at the buttonhole of the vest and produces the fifth handkerchief, throwing both over the back of the chair. For the production of the last handkerchief a little patter is necessary. You declare that “I overheard the remarks of two gentlemen in the front seats, one insisting that they came down my sleeve” (suiting the action to the word), “and the other person that he saw me take them out of my pockets.” By way of illustration, you thrust your hands into your pockets, and fix the finger in position, withdrawing the hands and placing together; you can continue by saying they are both wrong, for if the handkerchief came down the sleeve everyone would be sure to see it, and if from my pocket they would also see it; showing the hands you bring them together, reverse the finger, and shake out the handkerchief, and place it with the other two on the front part of your centre table, dropping the finger on the ‘servante’.
 
To cause the disappearance of the handkerchiefs proceed as follows: take up the three coloured ones on the chair, at the same time secretly obtain the ‘vanisher’, and with an up and down motion of the hands work them into the ball. Passing the ball to the back of the hands,  show the palms empty. You then proceed to your Centre table, upon which are the remaining three handkerchiefs, and deposit the vanisher on the servante. Taking up the handkerchiefs you roll them up into a ball, and carelessly placed them on the left hand front corner ‘trap’ of your table, covering them for an instant with your hands, during which time you have pushed them through the trap, you walk forward, as if still having them in your hands, and you gradually cause them to vanish. Then, taking up the white handkerchief you wave it up and down, and show it on both sides, in the action of  which you seize the ball of six handkerchiefs under your vest with the second, third, and fourth fingers, and gradually work out the coloured handkerchiefs one after the other, tied together at the corners.
 
Should the magician wish to extend this trick he could announce that he would proceed to separate the knotted handkerchiefs, either one at a time or all together, simply by blowing upon them. The handkerchiefs, which are tied together by what is called by sailors a ‘common reef knot’, are examined, and being returned the magician tries and apparently tightens each knot, but in reality he takes one end and draws it sharply the reverse way, when it will draw the handkerchief in a straight line, forming a slip knot of the other handkerchief. Repeating this process upon the five knots, he borrows a gent’s hat, and taking each knotted handkerchief, and the knot between his thumb and first finger of the right hand, he covers that knot with the centre part of the next handkerchief with his left hand. He apparently drops the knotted handkerchiefs into the hat but as the knots have already been drawn into the required position what actually takes place is that he absolutely slips each knot free before dropping it in the hat, and so on, until all the handkerchiefs are in the hat. Then he asks the if audience would like them separated all together all one at a time. If ‘one at a time,’ he simply throws them out quickly one at a time. If ‘all together’, he takes them all in his hand, and tosses them up in the air, where they will be seen to separate and return to the hat.
 
FLASH PAPER
[Compiler’s Note: these chemical effects are dangerous and should not be attempted]
… Is prepared by a mixture of nitric and sulfuric acids, one part of the former to two of the latter. It is made, and allowed to stand for 12 hours before using. The experiment should be made in the open air. Ordinary tissue paper is immersed in the fluid for a few seconds, after which it is taken out and washed well in clear water, until all trace of acid has been removed. This can be ascertained by the use of blue litmus paper which, when dipped into the water will betray the presence of the acid by turning red. The paper should be dried in a warm atmosphere, but not near a fire, and it is ready for use.

FLASH HANDKERCHIEFS
Are prepared in a similar manner as above. For this purpose take a piece of fine cambric, wash it well in hot water to remove all grease and other impurities, and treat it in the same way as the paper. These handkerchiefs are also prepared by soaking fine Muslim or cambric repeatedly in a solution of magnesium which when ignited vanish with a brilliant flash. One of these handkerchiefs may be hung upon a fine wire in full view of the audience, and when touched, presumably by the performer’s wand, but really by a glass rod heated at one end and substituted for the wand, it ignites and disappears instantly in a flash of a flame. Another method by which the same effect may be produced, except that the handkerchief disappears from the performer’s hand without the aid of the heated glass rod, is as follows:- To prepare a flash of this description some fine glass vaccine tubes must be procured, and filled with sulfuric acid, after which the ends of each two are fused together by simply holding the end in a gas flame. Next a powder consisting of two parts of chlorate of potash and one of powdered sugar is procured. A small sheet of flash paper of about the size of a cigarette paper is then taken, and a tiny quantity of gun cotton, about the size of a pea, pulled out lightly and made fluffy, is laid on the paper. A tiny portion of the powder, about as much as would cover half of a threepenny piece, is spread upon the gun cotton, with the point of a pen knife. One of the tubes of the acid is then laid on the powder and the whole is rolled a like a small cigarette, and the ends are screwed round to prevent any powder or the small glass tube from slipping out. A flash thus prepared can be laid on the table ready for use, and when wrapped lightly in a corner of a flash handkerchief, and held between the first and second finger and some of the right hand only a slight pressure of the thumb is necessary to snap the tube. The acid in it mixes with the chlorate of potash and sugar, which ignites the gun cotton, consumes the flash paper and thus conveys the fire to the prepared handkerchief, which is instantly consumed. To prevent accidents, never prepare the papers or even mix the powder, until actually required for use.
 
THE RESTORED HANDKERCHIEF
For this trick you require a substitute flash handkerchief, a piece of fine cambric about five inches square, a pair of scissors, and a prepared candle, made of stout white paper, fitted with a piece of genuine candle at the end. But as it has to be finally opened by the performer the effect is much better if he prepares a genuine wax candle which can be eventually broken by one of the audience. The mode of proceeding is merely to hollow an ordinary wax candle from the lower end, the cavity being large enough to hold a small handkerchief. Care must be taken to leave sufficient of the candle on top to burn for some minutes. Perhaps it would be better still to get a tinsmith to make you a proper mould thus saving a lot of time and trouble. Having the piece of cambric, and being prepared with a substitute flash handkerchief, which is usually carried just under the vest, you advance to the audience and borrow another, selecting that most suitable to your purpose. You carefully roll it up, and on returning to the stage exchange it for the substitute, which you carelessly fold, the audience being under the impression that it is the borrowed one. You call for a candle; unfortunately your assistant does not instantly bring it. Being rather irritable for the time being you throw the supposed handkerchief on your table and start for the candle yourself. At the wings you meet the inattentive assistant, and complain to him in a loud whisper. You then, unperceived by the audience, throw forward the borrowed handkerchief from under your vest right off stage. You immediately return to your table. Your assistant quickly picks up the borrowed handkerchief, folds it carefully, and puts it into the prepared candle, which he fastens up at the bottom with a piece of soft wax, puts it into a candlestick, lights it, brings it upon the stage, and puts it upon your table. With the piece of cambric in your hand, you take up the substitute handkerchief and, advancing towards the audience draw out an end of the cambric which will be supposed to be the handkerchief, between the finger and thumb, and offer one of the audience that pair of scissors, requesting him to cut the handkerchief. You at the same time present to him the end of the cambric, which he cuts. Take from him the portion cut. Returning towards the table, you remark that you will show them your patent way of mending your linen, &c., and accordingly hold the piece cut into the left hand, and the main piece in the right. Hold the ends near to candle, but not too close. Appear to rub them into soft wax, then rub them together, and by degrees shake out the substitute handkerchief which covers the piece of Cambridge that you palm, and show that the handkerchief is fully restored. You then move towards the lender with the intention of restoring it. On your way you pretend to hear someone remark that he knows how that is done. Looking at someone you express a doubt on that point, and although you have an objection to this to do the same trick twice, promise to break your rule this time in order to convince him that it is not the old way of doing it, and that therefore he does not know how it is done. But, in order that there shall be no doubt about it, pass him the substitute handkerchief and the scissors and request him to cut a piece out. This being done, the two pieces are returned to you, and you hold them up. This time you request your assistant to bring you the candle and candlestick from your table, you give it to the gentleman to hold, also asking him to stand up so that everybody can see. Holding both pieces of handkerchief high up in your left hand you gradually lower them, informing your audience that you are about to do exactly as you did before. Apparently not looking at what you are doing, you allow the edge or corner of the handkerchief to come in contact with the flame of the candle, and it goes off like a flash of lightning. You appear to be astonished at its sudden disappearance, and ask the gentleman if he has it in his pockets. He assures you that he has not. The idea occurs to you that it must be in the candle, where upon you extinguish the flame and ask if he will be good enough to break the candle in the middle. There the handkerchief is at once found rolled up. Take it immediately with the pieces of candle to prevent a too narrow examination, and shake out the handkerchief, showing that it is quite restored. Then return it to the owner with thanks.

 
The Express and Telegraph (Adelaide, South Australia), Saturday 16 June 1900
THE MAGICIAN
HIS METHODS EXPLAINED
‘SECOND SIGHT’
No. VI
(By Alfred Sylvester)

SUPERNATURAL VISION
Second sight was the crowning feat of the late Robert Heller, and one which made his fortune. The performance is carried out thus: a young lady seated upon the stage, and having her eyes bandaged with one or two handkerchiefs, names deliberately and gives the description of articles handed one after the other to the magician by the audience. Attempts have been made to expose the mystery, but it has always been so tangled and inexplicable that it would be impossible for the Inquirer to come to anything near a correct answer. Heller, after much study, succeeded in simplifying and perfecting a system, embracing every variety of article classified in sets, as shown in the accompanying table; one question, with a word or two headed, sufficing to elicit a correct answer for 10 different articles.
 
The student must first familiarize himself with a few a new alphabetical arrangement as thoroughly as a boy on learning his primer. This is the most difficult of the business, but when mastered it comes as easy as the ordinary ABC.
 
For example, you want the name on a brooch, supposing it to be ‘Jane’. By the alphabetical arrangement (see Alphabet set) L stands for J, H for A, D for N and F for E -  this will give the answer when put as follows: “Look at this name. Have you got it? Don't delay. Find it quick.” Attention is only paid to the first letter of every sentence and it will be seen that to name of Jane is spelled. Again take ‘Gazette’ which is abbreviated in order to simplify the question -  A stands for G, H for A ‘hurry’ for Z, F for E, and P for T. The question would be, “Are you able to tell the name? Here it is. Hurry. Find a name. Please be quick.” Here you have Gazette in short meter the letters K U N and Z being difficult ones wherewith to commence and interrogative sentence the words ‘pray’, ‘look’, ‘see this’, and ‘hurry’ are used as will be seen in the alphabet set. Care must be taken not to commence a sentence with either of these words unless applicable to the word to be spelled. These questions may look strange on paper, but when asked in an abrupt, disjointed way sound perfectly natural. After the alphabet we have the numbers, which are easily committed to memory. The words used are:
 
For 1.    Say or speak                      For 8.    Are or ain’t
“ 2.       He, look, or let                  “ 9.        Now      
“ 3.       Can, or can’t                     “ 10.      Tell
“ 4.       Do, or don’t                      “ 0.        Hurry or come
“ 5.       Will, or won’t                    “ Well, to repeat last figure
“ 6.       What
“ 7.       Please, or pray
 
If the number 1,234 is required attention must only be paid to the first word of a sentence thus: “ Say the number. Be careful. Can you see it? Do you know?” For instance the number of 100 would be, “Tell me the number. Hurry.” A rather difficult number would be 1111. The question would be put thus:- “Say the number. Well? Speak out. Say what it is.”

On a watch or a banknote there are some times eight or nine numbers which can be followed as easily as the above. There are 10 colours which will comprise the list as they are set forth in the table. And the solution of the numbers, as explained, will furnish the key; for example the article presented is green, the question will be, “What is the colour?” Green being the sixth colour in the list. If Brown is wanted, and as it stands fourth in the list, the word would be do you know the colour?
 
The words explaining the numbers, as given in the list, are applied to the articles enumerated in each of the tables. The metals -  for instance ‘gold’ is presented, which is the first on the list. The question should be, “Say what metal? Or aluminium, which is tenth in the list, “Tell me the metal?”
 
ARTICLES IN SETS
and arranged, numbering no more than 10. Each set has at the head a different question, worded very nearly alike, so as to make the audience believe that the same question is being constantly asked. The question at the head of the set, which is always asked first, is the clue to the set, which contains the article to be described. Each set is numbered as in the case of the colours and metals, and the word conveys each particular article. For the first set the question is, “What article is this?” This gives the clue to 10 distinct articles. The next demand may be, “Don't you know? Which would be a glove, it being fourth on the list. “Say the colour”, which is white, being first on the list. “What is the fabric?” The answer being kid, as it is sixth on the list. “Do you know the number of buttons on each?” Answer, Four.
 
A watch embodies a great number of questions, more so than other articles. If you want to describe it fully it is first in the second set, the key of which is, “What is this?” We will say that it is a lady’s gold watch, double case, 3 bands, made by Bennett, number 7,942 the initials from TB to JD engraved on the case, the year 1894, and blue enamel, set with 5 diamonds. This is a complex question and must be put and answered as follows:-
 
Q- What is this, say?
A- A watch.
 
Q- Say the metal?
A- Gold
 
Q- Say to whom it belongs?
A- A lady
 
Q- Yes?
A- A double case
 
Q- Can you tell the number of hands?
A- Three
 
Q- Do you know the maker?
A- Bennett, London
 
Q- Please tell the number? Now, then; don’t you know it? Be quick.
A- 7,942
 
Q- Can you tell the colour of the enamel?
A- blue
 
Q- Pardon a moment. Tell me the initials?
A- T.B.
 
Q- Let me know to whom? Go on.
A- J.D.
 
Q- Now the year. Do you know it?
A- 1894
 
Q- Say these stones?
A- Diamonds
 
Q- Will you tell me how many?
A- Five

If it is a double case the simple word, “Yes” conveys the intelligence after “To whom it belongs.” If an open case the word “well” is used. Cards are told as follows:- First, the ‘playing card,’ second the suit, third the number of picture. Foreign coins, when presented, you ask, “Look at this. Do you know what it is?” then ask the metal, country, date, and value in English money. In reference to the date, if the coin is of this century, only the last two figures are asked; if a prior date the three last.
 
Other Examples –
“Pray, what is this? Tell me.” The answer is ‘Key.’ Now, in order to tell what kind of key these simple words will explain:
“Yes” – a watch key
“Well” – a door key
“Good” – a safe key

“What is here? Say” – the answer is ‘Pipe.’
Next to ascertain what kind of a pipe.
“Yes” -  a meerschaum pipe
“Well” – a wooden pipe
“Good” – a clay pipe
 
“Can you see this? Please say” – the answer is ‘Comb’
“Yes” – a pocket comb
“Well” – a toilet comb
“Good” – a curry comb

“Can you see this? Are you going to tell?”  - the answer is ‘Brush’
“Yes” – hair brush
“Well” – clothes brush
“Good” – paint brush
If an article is presented which is not down in the sets, the alphabet will have to be resorted to, and the article spelled out.
 
THE ALPHABET
A is H                     J is L                       S is N
B is T                      K is “pray”             T is P
C is S                      L is C                      U is “look”
D is G                     M is O                     V is Y
E is F                      N is D                     W is R
F is E                      O is V                      X is “see this”
G is A                     P is J                       Y is Q
H is I                     Q is W                     Z is “hurry”
I is B                      R is M
“Hurry up” means to repeat last letter.
 

COLOURS
1. White                               6. Green
2. Black                                7. Yellow
3. Blue                                 8. Gray
4. Brown                              9. Golden
5. Red                                10. Mixed
 
METALS
1. Gold                                 6. Iron
2. Silver                                7. Tin
3. Brass                                8. Platina.
4. Copper or bronze               9. Steel
5. Lead                                10. Aluminium
 
THE SETTINGS
1. Diamond                         6. Garnet
2. Ruby                              7. Emerald
3. Pearl                              8. Turquoise
4. Amethyst                        9. Carbuncle [almandine]
5. Onyx                             10. Topaz
“The Stone” – Opal
 
 
OF WHAT?
1. Lady                                  6. Group
2. Gentleman                         7. Animal
3. Boy                                   8. Drawing
4. Girl                                    9. Sketch
5. Child                                 10. Cigarette picture

COUNTRIES
1. England                           6. Italy
2. America                           7. Spain
3. France                             8. Canada
4. Germany                          9. Australian colonies
5. Russia                            10. Mexico

THE MATERIAL
1. Wood                               6. Rubber
2. Stone                               7. Leather
3. Marble                             8. Bone
4. Bronze                             9. Ivory
5. Ebonite                          10. China
 
THE FABRIC
1. Silk                                   6. Kid
2. Satin                                 7. Leather
3. Wool                                 8. Buckskin
4. Cotton                              9. Lace
5. Linen                              10. –
  
WATCHES
(To tell the maker’s name of watches)
1. American Watch Company      6. Waterbury
2. Waltham                               7. Swiss
3. Elgin                                    8. Rotherham
4. Bennett                                9. –
5. Stewart, Dawson                 10. –

FIRST SET
What article is this?
1. Handkerchief                 6. Basket
2. Neckerchief                    7. Bead
3. Bag                               8. Comforter
4. Glove                             9. Head-dress
5. Purse                           10. Fan

SECOND SET
What is this?
1. Watch                              6. Necklace
2. Bracelet                           7. Ring
3. Guard                              8. Pedometer
4. Chain                               9. Cross
5. Breast Pin                       10. Charm
  
THIRD SET
What may this be?
1. Hat                                  6. Muff
2. Cap                                 7. Cape
3. Bonnet                            8. Boa
4. Cuff                                9. Inkstand
5. Collar                            10. Mucilage
 
FOURTH SET
What is here?
1. Pipe                                6. Tobacco Box
2. Cigar                               7. Tobacco Pouch
3. Cigar holder                     8. Match
4. Cigarette                         9. Matchbox
5. Tobacco                         10. Cigar-lighter

FIFTH SET
What have I here?
1. Spectacles                     6. Opera glass case
2. Spectacle case               7. Magnifying glass
3. Eye glass                       8. Telescope
4. Eye glass case                9. Compass
5. Opera glass                  10. Corkscrew
 
SIXTH SET
Can you see this?
1. Knife                              6. Toothpick
2. Scissors                          7. Comb
3. Pin                                 8. Brush
4. Needle                            9. Thimble
5. Cushion (pin)                10. Looking glass
 
SEVENTH SET
Do you know what this is?
1. Book                             6. Pamphlet
2. Pocket book                   7. Programme
3. Needle book                  8. Bill
4. Paper                            9. Letter
5. Newspaper                   10. Envelope

EIGHTH SET
Look at this
1. Bank-note                     6. Piece money
2. Mining scrip.                  7. Bank cheque
3. Currency                       8. Bond
4. Coin                             9. Silver coin
5. Gold piece                   10. Postage stamp

NINTH SET
Now, what is this?
1. Stick                            6. Picture
2. Whip                           7. Shoe
3. Parasol                        8. Boot
4. Umbrella                      9. Button
5. Umbrella cover            10. Stud
 
TENTH SET
Tell me this?
1. Earring                         6. Fork
2. Locket                          7. Spoon
3. Sleeve button               8. Armlet
4. Hairpin                        9. Ornament
5. Clothes-pin                 10. Check

ELEVENTH SET
I want to know this
1. Apple                             6. Lollies
2. Nut                                7. Popcorn
3. Cake                              8. Lozenge
4. Orange                           9. Grain
5. Lemon                          10. Wax

TWELFTH SET
Pray, what is this?
1. Screw                                6. Knob
2. Hinge                                7. Rule
3. Tool                                   8. Lock
4. Nail                                   9. Buckle
5. Tack                                  10. Key

THIRTEENTH SET
You know what this is?
1. Shot                                6. Percussion cap
2. Powder                            7. Cartridge
3. Bullet                               8. Surgical instrument
4. Gun                                 9. Musical instrument
5. Pistol                             10. Tuning-fork

FOURTEENTH SET
Quick! This article?
1. Bouquet                         6. Toy
2. Bouquet-holder               7. Flag
3. Flower                           8. Bottle
4. wreath                           9. Game
5. Leaf                             10. Doll
 
FIFTEENTH SET
Name this article
1. Pen                                6. Case
2. Pen holder                      7. Reel
3. Pencil                             8. Soap
4. Eraser                            9. Perfumery
5. Rubber                         10. Cup

SIXTEENTH SET
Say, what is this?
1. Card                               6. Bunch keys
2. Card case                        7. Tablet
3. Playing card                    8. Card
4. Button-hook                    9. Tweezer
5. Key Ring                       10. Cork

SEVENTEENTH SET
This article?
1. Bible                               6. Hymn book
2. Testament                       7. Music
3. Tract                               8. Smelling bottle
4. Bookmark                       9. Vinaigrette
5. Prayer book                   10. Strap

EIGHTEENTH SET
(Playing Cards)
1. Diamonds         “Right” Ace
2. Hearts              “That’s Right” King
3. Clubs                “Good” Queen
4. Spades             “Very good” Jack
 
NINETEENTH SET
(Devices)
1. Masonic                         6. Elks
2. Oddfellow                      7. Buffaloes
3. K of P.                           8. Gardeners
4. Druids                           9. –
5. Musical                        10. –

VALUE IN ENGLISH MONEY
1. Halfpenny                      6. Florin
2. Penny                            7. Half-a-crown
3. Threepence                    8. Crown
4. Sixpence                        9. Half-sovereign
5. One shilling                   10. Sovereign
 
 
When articles are described by the same question being asked, “And this? “And this?” “And this?” they are simply articles that are such as are surer to be found in any audience, and are committed to memory in a given order. Thus – 1. a lady’s glove 2. An eyeglass 3. Gentleman’s whiskers 4. Umbrella 5. Necktie 6. Programme 7. Handkerchief 8. Gent’s coat 9. Lady’s sleeve 10. Back of a chair 11. Watch-chain 12. Gentleman’s bald head.
 
The magician convey by some agreed phrase, as  “what is this that I am pointing out?” the intimation that he is about to commence this pre-arrange list. The words “and this?” conveying to the lady on the stage that she is required to name the next article in succession. Should, by exception, any article of the list be not visible among the audience the omission need create no difficulty. “And this, quick!” will convey to the lady that she is to skip one item and name the next. Sometimes even this small amount of speaking is dispense with, and the magician merely strikes a small bell or snaps his fingers, by way of query, when the lady names the articles point out.
 
 
For the
DUMB BUSINESS
A third person is brought into question. This person is in some position where he can see whatever is offered to the magician, generally at a peep-hole at the side of the stage, and by means of a speaking-tube leading from the side of the stage to under the stage and thence through a hollow leg of the chair, terminating at the top close to the lady’s ear, he is able to communicate the names of the articles.
 
The ”Hat” business is also brought in. Although introduced at the end, this part of the trick is commenced when the magician first comes on the stage and before the lady appears. A soft felt hat is borrowed, and the magician requests the loan of a few articles. Considerable fuss is made in collecting these, and they are gathered from various parts of the house. As a rule not more than three or four things are taken, but with them are placed four or five odd articles belonging to the performer, such as a curious coin, a pin-cushion with a certain number of pins in it, &c. Finally the hat is placed where all can see it, and the magician goes off for his lady assistant. As he passes behind the wings, he whispers to her the names of the “borrowed” articles. The trick is now introduced, and proceeds through various phases until at length the “hat” is reached. As a final and conclusive test, says the magician, “let us go back to the hat, which has never once left your sight. Will some lady or gentleman ask the question?” The articles are handed out singly. Of the borrowed ones merely the name is given, but of those belonging to the magician, of course, the minutest details are furnished. This part generally closed the “second sight” performance, it being clear to the minds of all “that this was not done by questions.” This concludes the supernatural vision mystery, which has so perplexed  the world. The magician generally ends by asking –
 
“Now, how is this done? Well, I don’t mind telling you, with the express understanding that it goes no further. It is neither mesmerism, spiritism, ventriloquism, rheumatism nor any other ism. It is brought about by the action of arcanadynamics, subjectively submitted to the action of the passive agent, and the result, as you have seen, is a stentorophonic reproduction of the original idea. I’m afraid it’s not yet quite clear to some of you. Well, then, in other words, it’s a system of mental telephony. When an article is offered to me I seize it, and then my lady assistant sees it. Ah! You smile; you understand it; but, remember, not a word outside as to how it’s done.”
 
The magician bows, the curtain falls, and the audience retire as much in the dark as ever, except those who have read this explanation of the second-sight mystery.
 
 
END OF SERIES