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750
Modern Magic: A Practical Treatise on the Art of Conjuring
·
Professor Hoffmann
640
THE
INDIAN
BASKET
TRICK.--This
is
another
of
the
sensational
feats
identified
with
the
name
of
Colonel
Stodare,
and
is
imitated
from
a
similar
illusion
performed
by
the
Indian
conjurors.
It
is
not
a
pleasant
trick
to
witness,
but,
like
the
“Decapitated
Head,”
it
drew
immense
crowds,
its
fictitious
horror
being
apparently
its
chief
attraction.
Its
effect,
as
the
trick
was
originally
presented
by
Stodare,
is
as
follows:--A
large
oblong
basket,
say
five
feet
by
two,
and
as
deep
as
wide,
is
brought
in,
and
placed
on
a
low
stand
or
bench,
so
as
to
be
raised
clear
of
the
stage.
The
performer
comes
forward
with
a
drawn
sword
in
his
right
hand,
and
leading
with
the
other
hand
a
young
lady,
dressed
in
a
closely-fitting
robe
of
black
velvet.
Reproaching
her
upon
some
pretended
ground
of
complaint,
he
declares
that
she
must
be
punished,
and
forthwith
begins
to
blindfold
her
eyes.
She
simulates
terror,
begging
for
mercy,
and
finally
escaping
from
him,
runs
off
the
stage.
He
follows
her,
and
instantly
reappears,
dragging
her
by
the
wrist.
Regardless
of
her
sobs
and
cries,
he
compels
her
to
enter
the
basket,
in
which
she
lies
down,
and
the
lid
is
closed.
Simulating
an
access
of
fury,
he
thrusts
the
sword
through
the
basket
(from
the
front)
in
various
places.
Piercing
screams
are
heard
from
the
interior,
and
the
sword
when
withdrawn
is
seen
to
be
red
with
blood.
The
screams
gradually
subside,
and
all
is
still.
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