Those who have never stood in the position of a challenger can scarcely
realize the sense of responsibility felt by one who has openly thrown
down the gauntlet to a man who is popular with the public.
The _Mirror_ had placed its reliance on the work of a British mechanic,
and if Houdini succeeded in escaping in the first few minutes it was
felt that the proceedings would develop into a mere farce.
But time went by; 5, 10, 15, 20 minutes sped. Still the band played on.
Then, at 22 minutes, Mr. Houdini put his head out of the "ghost house,"
and this was the signal for a great outburst of cheering.
"He is free! he is free!" shouted several; and universal disappointment
was felt when it was ascertained that he had only put his head outside
the cabinet in order to get a good look at the lock in strong electric
light.
[Illustration: From a Photo of the Famous Scene in the London, England,
Hippodrome, when Houdini was Handcuffed by the London Illustrated
Mirror Representative.]
The band broke into a dreamy waltz as Houdini once more disappeared
within the canopy. The disappointed spectators looked at their watches,
murmured "What a shame!" gave Houdini an encouraging clap, and the
journalist resumed his stride.
At 35 minutes Mr. Houdini again emerged. His collar was broken, water
trickled in great channels down his face, and he looked generally warm
and uncomfortable.
"My knees hurt," he explained to the audience. "I am not done yet."
The "house" went frantic with delight at their favorite's resolve, and
this suggested an idea to the _Mirror_ representative.
He spoke rapidly to Mr. Parker, the Hippodrome manager, who was at the
side of the stalls. That gentleman looked thoughtful for a moment, then
nodded his head and whispered something to an attendant.