Fifty years in the magic circle; being an account of the author's professional life; his wonderful tricks and feats; with laughable incidents, and ... as a magician, necromancer, and ventriloquist
Antonio Blitz
Paperback
(RareBooksClub.com, May 14, 2012)
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1871 Excerpt: ...said. Fortunately I was unknown to him; neither was he aware that there was a magician on board, which enabled me to test his qualifications for encountering one of those pranks he was so fond of enjoying at the expense and ridicule of others. For this purpose it was necessary for me to act with precaution, and then only as opportunity presented, especially as ventriloquists depend as much upon favorable circumstances as upon science, or the artist's skill. Nearly all the passengers had retired for the night, with the exception of a few who could not resist the temptation of strolling on deck, to enjoy the noble sight the heavenly bodies afforded. For several hours I paced every part of the vessel, with the hope of meeting the captain; but becoming weary and feeling fatigued, I was about proceeding to my berth, when I perceived him coming from the cabin. Preparing myself for an interview, I saluted him, remarking on the loveliness of the night. "Very fine," he replied, also remarking that he had been suffering the past three hours with an excruciating headache. I stated that I had in my carpet-bag a peculiar powder, a pinch or two of which would probably relieve him, as its efficacious character had so frequently been tested. With the utmost despatch I procured the restorative and gave it to him, and after partaking liberally of the same, he declared he had experienced much benefit therefrom; at all events, he was decidedly more lively and loquacious. We at last descended into the cabin, where he seated himself upon a large travelling trunk, when, to his great amazement, a voice proclaimed from the inside,--"Halloo! captain." 224 A QBE AT MYSTERY. In a moment he was on his feet, inquiring, with looks of intense interest, who was secreted ther...