can come
forward to give the approximate date, of such a performance, the
place, and the names of the performer, his assistants, or of any two
other persons who saw the trick done at that time and place.

I only wish there might be such a person. We might then get in touch
with the Indian Rope trick and Ibn Batuta's character might be
vindicated.

I offer Rs. 5000. (_L_300) to anyone who will show me the Rope Trick
in the open. This amount will be payable to anyone who will arrange
that the trick is performed for my benefit, in my presence.

The trick must be similar to the description given by Ibn Batuta, and
must be brought to a successful conclusion before the reward can be
claimed. It is to be performed at a place selected by me, either in
India or England.

This offer holds good for five years from the 1st January, 1922.

My address is:--

Major L. H. Branson, M.I.M.C.,

The Magic Circle,

Anderton's Hotel, Fleet Street,

London, England.

CHAPTER X

SNAKES AND CROCODILES

The best trick I have ever seen in India during my 23 years in that
country, was one that was performed especially for my benefit twice
before I tumbled to the way in which it was done.

We were in our own compound or garden in a military station not far
from Bombay, having tea on a small lawn--green grass--of which we were
inordinately proud. Suddenly we heard the chanter of the itinerant
Jadoo-wallah, and as usual I called him in to ask him if he had
anything new. I wanted a really wonderful trick.

"Yes Saheb" he replied "I have something really good, that few sahebs
have seen before."

"What is it" said I, thoroughly aroused by his earnest manner, and
hoping that at last I should have an opportunity of seeing an oriental
miracle worthy of the spurious reputation held by Eastern Magicians.

"It is a trick with some snakes and a crocodile" said our friend "and
if the saheb will sit down with the memsaheb, and will call the
orderly, I will show it now." No sooner said than done. We sat down
and called Aba Nalaode, our Mabratta orderly.

[Illustration: Filling the Assistant's hands with earth.]

While he came from his quarters, the Jadoo-wallah proceeded to divest
himself of all his clothing, with the exception of his dhotie or loin
cloth. On the arrival of our orderly, he too was made to take off his
shirt, leaving him dressed in a similarly neglige manner to our
entertainer. The Jadoo-wallah then took some earth