r his case different altogether. The figure (which every one
says is a handsome-looking one, with nothing ludicrous or repulsive
about it) the figure really plays a very subordinate part in the
business, and I think there can be little doubt that the turning of the
head and eyes, and so forth, go on merely that our notice may be
directed to them, for the very reason that it is elsewhere that the key
to the mystery is to be found. That the breath comes out of the
figure's mouth is very likely, perhaps certain; those who have been
there say it does. It by no means follows that this breath is set in
motion by the words which are spoken. There cannot be the smallest
doubt that some human being is so placed as to be able, by means of
acoustical and optical contrivances which we do not trace, to see and
hear the persons who ask questions, and whisper answers back to them;
that not a soul, even amongst our most ingenious mechanicians, has the
slightest inkling, as yet, of the process by which this is done, shows
that it is a remarkably ingenious one; and that, of course, is one
thing which renders the exhibition very interesting. But much the most
wonderful part of it, in my opinion, is the spiritual power of this
unknown human being, who seems to read the very depths of the
questioner's soul; the answers often display an acuteness and sagacity,
and, at the same time, a species of dread half-light, half-darkness,
which do really entitle them to be styled 'oracular' in the highest
sense of the term. Several of my friends have told me instances of the
sort which have fairly astounded me, and I can no longer refrain from
putting the wonderful seer-gift of this unknown person to the test, so
that I intend to go there to-morrow forenoon; and you must lay aside
your repugnance to 'living puppets,' and come with me."

"'Although Lewis did his best to get off, he was obliged to yield, on
pain of being considered eccentric, so many were the entreaties to him
not to spoil a pleasant party by his absence, for a party had been made
up to go the next forenoon, and, so to speak, take the miraculous Turk
by the very beard. They went accordingly, and although there was no
denying that the Turk had an unmistakable air of Oriental _grandezza_,
and that his head was handsome and effective, yet, as soon as Lewis
entered the room, he was struck with a sense of the ludicrous about the
whole affair, and when the Exhibitor put the key to the figure's