The band was just finishing a stirring march when, with a great shout
of victory, Houdini bounded from the cabinet, holding the shining
handcuffs in his hand--free!
A mighty roar of gladness went up. Men waved their hats, shook
hands one with the other. Ladies waved their handkerchiefs, and the
committee, rushing forward as one man, shouldered Houdini, and bore him
in triumph round the arena.
But the strain had been too much for the "Handcuff King," and he sobbed
as though his heart would break.
With a mighty effort, however, he regained his composure, and received
the congratulations of the _Mirror_ in the true sportsmanlike spirit
he has shown throughout the contest.