THE TRAGEDY OF HANCO.

IN 1903, when Harry Houdini was startling the audiences of two continents with his amazing escapes, a new star arose in the firmament of magic. This hitherto unknown conjurer was a young man called Hanco, who did some wonderfully clever escape tricks, something in the style of Houdini himself.

Hanco always appeared on the stage in the garb of a convict--a simple, but exceedingly clever piece of showmanship. He explained to his audiences that he was an ex-convict, and had learnt all his tricks whilst in gaol. He had been granted an early release in view of his, good conduct, and had decided to make an honest living. His little speech always won the sympathy of the audience, and this, together with the cleverness of the escapes, and the prettiness and agility of Hanco's lady assistant, always ensured a good reception for the act.

One day towards the end of the year, Hanco walked into my office, and told me he was giving up his act. I was never more surprised in my life.

"Whatever for?" I asked. "There is a great future before you."

"You are wrong," Hanco replied, dramatically. "I have no future."

"But where are you going?" I queried, extremely puzzled.

"The newspapers will tell you soon enough," was the curious reply. "If you would like to buy my barrel effect, you can have it for two pounds ten."

Hanco's barrel escape was the best trick in his act, and I realised that the young man was in earnest. I closed with his offer, and as he left my office, he again assured me that he wished to keep his future destination secret. That was the last time I ever saw him.

In less than a week I read in the newspapers of his suicide. He had stabbed himself to death at his lodgings in Seymour Street, Liverpool. And gradually the sordid story came out.

Hanco had been madly in love with his assistant, and he became insanely jealous. He sold up his act, and then, with nothing to do, moped and worried The girl tried to console him. But Hanco was young.

"I am going to teach you the lesson of your life," he told the girl. As he spoke, he picked up the carving knife from the table, and stabbed himself to the heart.