“I think, ladies and gentlemen, that trick is done through the medium of a trap-door.”
“Would the good doctor step up and examine the stage?”
The good doctor would.
There was not the slightest trace of a trap-door, and the doctor looked considerably confused.
Now I myself believe that in tricks of this sort in India—and if in India, why not in Britain?—hypnotism probably plays a conspicuous part.
I cannot say how, and it seems to me incredible that a whole audience could be hypnotised; but still it should be remembered that, in our country, this science is as yet only in its infancy.
Lest my young reader should dream of these mysterious performances, I must conclude this chapter by briefly describing the prettiest scene of all. I may mention at once that it was not conducted with the lantern, though in part that may have been used.
The effects were visible inside the immense glass framework at the back of the stage, and every effect was accompanied by appropriate music.
Antonio had seated himself at the piano, and as Pandoo had disappeared, it was evident that he was “wire-puller.”
The electric light was extinguished in the hall, but the beautiful fairy lights, that shone among flowers and foliage, gave a dim but beautiful radiance.