HOUDINI OBJECTS TO SOMEONE ELSE'S BOOST.

I HAVE already made some reference to the weaker side of Harry Houdini's nature, his childishness, his irritability, and his quick temper. While it is not my intention to stress the faults of one who for many years was a friend, I feel it is my duty to present to the public a true pen picture of the man as I knew him.

The weakness of Houdini's character was never better illustrated that at an annual dinner of the Magicians' Club, eight or nine years ago. We had decided that the gathering would provide a splendid opportunity of making him a presentation, for he had been our President since the inauguration of the club.

It so happened that the only available magician of any repute willing to occupy the chair and make the presentation was The Great Raymond. And Harry detested Raymond. "I won't accept anything from that --," he declared hotly. "Why, he pinches my ideas," and then he went on to tell me in a few well chosen words just what he thought of Raymond's capabilities.

I felt the position very keenly, but, to my relief, I managed to talk Harry over. I was a happy man when he finally agreed to allow Raymond to officiate.

We had several hundred cards printed for distribution amongst our members. But they didn't please Houdini.

"These are all wrong," he said, when they arrived back from the printers.

"What's the matter with them?" I inquired wondering what my friend had at the back of his mind.

"You've got here 'In the Chair--The Great Raymond.' He's not great at all."

"I shouldn't let that worry you. It's only a professional name."

"Well it'll have to be altered. Call him just 'M. F. Raymond.' Even that's a damn sight too good for him. Don't let's argue about it, Will. Either you have these cards reprinted as I like them or I'll refuse to attend the dinner, and resign the presidency of the club in the bargain."

There was no argument. The cards were reprinted.