BLINDFOLD BOY

Greymouth Evening Star, 22 July 1936, Page 14

BLINDFOLD BOY

PUZZLING POWERS REVEALED

LOS ANGELES, June 23

Pat Marquis, the boy who apparently can see without using his eyes, and who has aroused world-w’de attention by his remarkable powers, has given another extraordinary demonstration . f this unique power. He lias just fenced with Fred Cavens, international expert, after ten people had watched him being completely blindfolded. First, his eyes were covered -with vulcanised goggles, rubber replacing the glass. These in turn were bandaged with three layers of adhesive tape, reaching below his nose and above his eyes. Then, going into a trance, he walked to a table and picked up a foil. In this guise he is understood to be Napeji, a young ancient Persian from the other world. Thereafter he fenced with Cavens, although the boy has never had a fencing lesson in his life. “I know of no master of fencing in the world who could do it,” said Cavens. “The fact, that he can see my point, coming and parry, and not be deceived in his parry with the point, menacing him. and make the correct retreat with his body, is remarkable. 1 defy any great expert anywhere to do it.”

It was while in a trance as Napeji three days previously that young Pat expressed an interest in fencing. For this reason he was taken to Cavens strictly as Pat Marquis. He showed no knowledge of the art of fencing until he had been blindfolded and assumed the personality of Napeji. After the fencing bout was over, the hoy bowed politely to everyone present in turn, seated himself apparently in sleep for about 60 seconds, and then asked that the bandages be re-, moved.

Pat, Marquis is <a normal healthy boy, 11 years of age. with laughing eyes and the usual penchant for play.