THE HOUDINI PACKING CASE ESCAPE.

ON ONE occasion when Houdini was performing in London, he decided to try out a new packing case escape. The trick was very successful and he was well pleased with the reception he obtained. Half way through the week he invited me to dine with him, and suggested I should accompany him to the theatre after the meal.

As we were putting on our hats and coats prior to setting off to the show, Houdini turned to me with. a startled expression on his face. "Will!" he cried.

"Yes, Harry?" I replied, not knowing what to expect.

"Do you know how I escape from that packing case?"

"I haven't given it a thought, Harry."

"You're lying," Houdini shouted. "tell me the truth.''

"I assure you, Harry--"

"Don't lie, Will." Houdini's manner had become quieter now. "To be honest, I want to know if magicians are getting wise to my secrets. If you don't know them, I'm not afraid of the others. Please tell me."

I took a pencil and note-book from my pocket, and sketched an instrument which I thought could be used for the packing case escape. Without speaking, I handed over my diagram to Houdini.

He went deathly pale. My long shot had gone home. "I'll take this," be said at last, tearing the sheet from my notebook. "This has finished me with packing cases. After this performance, I'll have no more."