and sensual disposition, prefer stretching
themselves on a mat and smoking in quiet, to
the finest theatrical spectacle in the world.
Consequently, the governor, who knew them
thoroughly, never invited them to any
festival; he summoned them in a military style.
It was thus that they were assembled to
see Robert-Houdin. Every goum or village,
ranged in companies, was separately introduced
into the theatre, and conducted in
perfect order to the seats that had been
previously assigned to them. Then came the
turn of the chiefs, who took their places
with becoming dignity. Their installation
was a slow piece of business, because they
could not understand the meaning of people
being closely packed side by side on benches,
but made vain endeavours to double up their
legs beneath them, like tailors seized with an
industrious fit. To the Caïds, the Aghas, the
Bach-Aghas, and other titled Arabs, were
allotted seats of honour; they occupied the
stalls of the orchestra and balcony. Amongst
them were admitted a few privileged officers;
and, finally, there was a liberal sprinkling of
interpreters throughout the house, to translate
the magician's spoken words.

At the rising of the curtain, the wonder-
worker, greatly impressed by the spectacle of
his assembled spectators, felt, nevertheless,
a strong temptation to laugh; for he
presented himself, wand in hand, with all the
gravity of a real sorcerer. But it would not
do to yield to the impulse. His object was not
merely to afford a little amusement and
recreation to a curious and good-natured
public; he was required to make a strong
and telling impression upon an assembly
of coarse imaginations and prejudiced minds;
for he had undertaken the part of a French
Marabout. Compared with the simple tricks
of their pretended sorcerers, his exploits
would pass for veritable miracles. The first
thing which startled the gravity of the
audience, was the production of cannon-balls out
of a hat; and it excited them to express their
admiration by the most whimsical and
energetic gestures. The inexhaustible bottle,
with its variety of wines and liqueurs, was
unpresentable to a Mahometan public; so it
was altered to a magical supply, first of
comfits, and afterwards of excellent hot coffee, a
bowl of which was filled as fast as it could
be emptied.

The first cups offered were accepted with
the greatest hesitation. Not an Arab was
willing to moisten his lips with the
beverage which he believed to come from the
devil's kitchen. But, insensibly seduced by
the perfume of their favourite liquor as well
as urged by the solicitations of the
interpreters, a few of the boldest ventured to taste
the magic draught, and, soon, their example
was generally followed. The vase answered
every demand that was made upon it (as the
bottle would have done); yet was carried away
still full of coffee. Tricks like these did not
suffice to fulfil the object of the mission,
which was to astonish the natives, and even
to frighten them by the semblance of
supernatural power. For this purpose, the
performance was made to conclude with a
selection of wonders of the most impressive
character.

The wizard possesses a small box, but of
solid construction, which, when placed in the
hands of the profane, becomes heavy or
light at the rightful owner's will. A child
can carry it with ease; or, the strongest
man cannot make it stir. Even when
produced in this simple form, the trick had
considerable effect; but, on the present occasion,
it was worked up to a still more dramatic
shape. Box in hand, Robert-Houdin advanced
to the middle of the pit, and addressed the
Arabs: speaking slowly, to give the
interpreters time to translate.

"After what you have seen, you cannot
deny that I am gifted with supernatural
power. You are right. I am going to give
you an additional proof, by showing you that
I can take away the strength of the strongest
man amongst you, and restore it at will. Let
him who thinks himself able to brave the
ordeal, draw near."

An Arab of middle stature, but well
made, lean, and muscular, as are all the Arab
Hercules, boldly advanced to meet the
challenge.

"Are you very strong?" asked the wizard,
looking at him contemptuously from head to
foot.

"I am," he carelessly replied.

"Are you sure that you will always retain
your strength?"

"Always."

"You are mistaken. In one instant I mean
to take away your strength, and make you as
feeble as an infant."

The Arab smiled disdainfully, in sign of
his incredulity.

"Here, lift this box."

The self-confident Samson stooped, raised
the box, and coldly said:

"Is that all?"

"Wait a moment."

Then, with all the dignity which his part
required, the sorcerer waved his arms
imposingly, and pronounced the solemn words:

"You are now become weaker than a
woman. Try to lift the box."

The Arab making light of the conjuration,
seized the box a second time by the handle,
and gave it a violent shake to lift it; but
this time the box resisted; and, in spite of
the most vigorous efforts, remained
completely immoveable. In vain did the Algerian
Samson exhaust upon the unlucky box an
exertion of strength which would have
sufficed to lift an enormous weight. Worn
out at last, panting and red with rage,
he stopped, became thoughtful, and seemed
to begin to comprehend the influence of
magic. He was on the point of retreating;