A CLEVER CONJURER.

Lake Wakatip Mail, Issue 1523, 19 March 1886, Page 3

A CLEVER CONJURER.

Robert Hoildin used to tell this story about himself: Oae evening during a performance I had borrowed a hat to make an om* let in. Those who have seen the trick are aware that it is chiefly intended to produce a laugh, and the object borrowed runs no risk. I had got through the first part excellently, coLsisting in breaking the eggs boating them, throwing in the salt and pepper, and pouring it all into the hat. After this I had to feign the frying of the omelet. I placed the candle on the ground, then holding the hat sufficiently high above it to escape the flame, I began turning it gently round, while making some of tne stereotyped jokes adapted to the trick. The public laughed bo heartily and so loudly that t could scarce hear myself speak; but I could not suspect the cause of their hilarity. Unfortunately, I detected it too soon. A strong scent of burning made me turn my eyes on the candle ; it had gone out. I then looked at the hat i the orown wm suite burned and I

stained. I had kept on turning the bat round until I at length put it on top of the candle and covered it with grease. Quite dazed by the sight I stopped, not knowing how to escape. Fortunately for me, my alarm, though so truthful, was regarded as a wellplayed farce, to heighten the effect of the performance. My only chance was to gain time; so I continued the trick, with a tolerably easy air, and produced to the public a splendidlycooked omelet, which I had enough courage left to season with a few jokes. Still, that quarter of an hour of which Rebelais speaks had arrived. I must restore the hat and publicly confess myself a clumsy blockhead. I resigned myself to this, was going to do so with all the dignity 1 could muster, when I heard Antonio call me from his side. His voice restored my courage for I felt assured he had prepared some way for my escape. I went up to him and found him standing with a hat in his hand. 'Look here' he said, exchanging it for the one I held ;' it is yours. But no matter 1 keep ago d face. Rub as if you were removing the stains, and, handing it to the owner, ask him gently to read what is iu the bottom.' 1 did as he told me; and the owner of the burnt hat, after receiving mine, was going to betray me; when 1 pointed to the note fastened in the crown. It ran as follows :' An act of carelessness caused me to commit a fault, which I will repair. To-morrow I will do myself the honour of asking your hatter's address In the meantime, be kind enough to act as an accomplice.' My request was granted, for my secret was honestly kept, and my professional honour saved.