This done, the journalist placed the handcuffs on Mr. Houdini's wrists
and snapped them. Then, with an effort, he turned the key six times,
thus securing the bolt as firmly as possible.
The committee being satisfied as to the security of the handcuff, Mr.
Houdini said:--
"_Ladies and Gentlemen_:--I am now locked up in a handcuff
that has taken a British mechanic five years to make. I do
not know whether I am going to get out of it or not, but I
can assure you I am going to do my best."
Applauded to the echo, the Mysteriarch then retired within the cabinet
that contains so many of his secrets.
All correct chronometers chronicled 3.15.
In a long line in front of the stage stood the committee. Before them,
in the center of the arena, stood the little cabinet Houdini loves to
call his "ghost house." Restlessly pacing to and fro, the _Mirror_
representative kept an anxious eye on it.