Mr. Houdini's call was for three o'clock yesterday, but so intense
was the excitement that the 4,000 spectators present could scarcely
restrain their impatience whilst the six excellent turns which preceded
him, cheered to the echo on other occasions, got through their
"business."
Waiting quietly and unnoticed by the arena steps, the _Mirror_
representative watched Mr. Houdini's entrance, and joined in giving his
opponent-to-be in the lists one of the finest ovations mortal man has
ever received.
"I am ready," said Houdini, concluding his address to the audience, "to
be manacled by the _Mirror_ representative if he be present."
A hearty burst of applause greeted the journalist as he stepped into
the arena and shook hands with the "Handcuff King."
Then, in the fewest possible words, the press man called for
volunteers from the audience to act upon a committee to see fair play,
and Mr. Houdini asked his friends also to step into the arena and watch
his interests.