However, the performer does unmistakably
take the identical lump of sugar chosen and crushes it to pieces with
his teeth. He then asks, with unabated confidence, under which of the
two hats he shall bring it, and, the choice having been made, places
the chosen hat on his own head, and in that way fulfills his
undertaking.
THE MYSTERIOUS PRODUCTION
This is another feat of the _genus_ "sell," and to produce due effect,
should only be introduced after the performer has, by virtue of a
little genuine magic, prepared the company to expect from him something
a little out of the common. He begins by informing the spectators that
he is about to show them a great mystery, a production of nature on
which no human being has ever yet set eye, and which, when they have
once seen, no human being will ever set eyes on again. When the general
interest is sufficiently awakened, he takes a nut from the dish, and,
having gravely cracked it, exhibits the kernel, and says, "Here is an
object which you will admit no human being has ever seen, and which"
(here he puts it into his mouth and gravely swallows it) "I am quite
sure nobody will ever see again.
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