Modern Magic: A Practical Treatise on the Art of Conjuring

“An Arab of middle stature, but well-knit, wiry, and muscular; the very type of an Arab Hercules, came forward, with plenty of self-confidence, and stood by my side. “‘Are you very strong?’ I inquired, eyeing him from head to foot. “‘Yes,’ he replied, carelessly. “‘Are you sure that you will always remain so?’ “‘Perfectly.’ “‘You are mistaken; for in one moment I shall take away all your strength, and leave you as weak as a little child.’ “The Arab smiled scornfully, in token of disbelief. “‘Here,’ I said, ‘lift up this chest.’ “The Arab stooped, lifted the chest, and said disdainfully, ‘Is that all?’ “‘Wait a bit,’ I replied. Then, with the solemnity appropriate to my assumed character, I made a gesture of command, and gravely said-- “‘You are weaker than a woman. Try now to lift that box.’ “The strong man, perfectly indifferent about my magic spell, again catches hold of the box by the handle, and gives a vigorous pull to lift it; this time, however, the chest resists, and in spite of the most determined efforts, remains absolutely immoveable.