Presence of Mind.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXVI, Issue I, 5 January 1901, Page 23

Presence of Mind.

The following amusing anecdote is related of a renowned conjurer. He had travelled over almost the whole world, when he sought to try his fortune before the Sultau of .Morocco. After having successfully enteriamed the powerful ruler with several clever tricks, he determined upon closing the entertainment with the following wonderful performance. Taking a snow-white and a grey pigeon, he appeared to cut off the head of each, and then to place the white head on the grey pigeon, and the grey head on the white pigeon, after which they Hew away just as though nothing had been done to them.

The Sultan was very enthusiastic about this performance, and having ordered two of his eunuchs, a negro and a native, to be brought forward, he commanded the conjurer to cut off both their heads and exchange them as he had done in the ease of the pigeons. The performer was somewhat taken aback at this peremptory request, but managed to retain his presence of mind, and said, through his interpreter: ••Pardon. your most gracious Majesty, my apparatus to-day is only arranged for pigeons, and not for men. I require at least fourteen days to.prepare for the desired performance.” ••Good!” replied the Sultan, "the extension is granted.” The conjurer hurried from the palace, and lost no time in getting out of the country.