Note 32 — Chapter VII · THE INDIAN BASKET TRICK.

There is a good deal of poetic licence about the above description. It is hardly likely that Robert-Houdin ever saw Stodare perform the trick, and, as probably many of our readers will remember, Stodare’s “victim” was in reality a young lady clad in ordinary female costume. The feat, as actually performed, was described by the “Daily News” of April 18th, 1865, in the following terms:

“Colonel Stodare has introduced one illusion which, though often heard of, has, we believe, never before been seen in this country—the famous Indian basket trick. A huge hamper is placed upon a stand, so as to leave a perfectly clear space between the bottom and the floor. A young lady is then shut up in this basket, and Colonel Stodare makes repeated passes through the wickerwork with a sword. The audience are horrified while this is going on by hearing piercing screams, and by seeing the blade come out dripping with blood; but when the cries have at length ceased, and a horrible murder has (notwithstanding Horace’s caution) been to all appearance committed in the presence of the assembly, the basket is found to be empty, and the victim is brought back into the room safe and sound. This part of his performance is unquestionably one of the most startling feats ever exhibited.”—Ed.