THE SACK TRICK.

Globe, Volume XXI, Issue 1787, 12 November 1879, Page 2

THE SACK TRICK.

[“ Sporting and Dramatic News.”] With reference to a controversy which is going on about the wonders of Spiritualism, i express no opinion here, but it is necessary to remark that because a thing appears to be impossible it does not follow that the accomplishment of it is supernatural. For instance, what can be more marvellous at first sight than the sack and box trick which conjurors sometimes perform ? A man is put in a sack, the neck of which is securely tied up with string and the knots carefully sealed. The sack is then placed in a box which stands on a platform above the stage ; the box is locked, and numerous seals are placed on the cracks where the lid closes. How utterly incredible it seems that a man can free himself—that is to say until one knows how it is done. The first idea which will occur to the inquirer is that the prisoner falls through a trap door and is released below. This, however, is impracticable, for a trap in the platform and another in the box could scarcely be made so neatly as to avoid detection; and besides, visitors are invited to place strings, sticks, &0., below the platform, any disturbance in the positions of which could be detected. But how is it done ? Very simply indeed, darkness being secured. The sack is made of an elastic fibrons stuff through which the captive can easily make hia way without disturbing the neck ; and the hole through which be has escaped closes behind him in consequence of the elasticity of the material. He is now free in a sealed box and what does he do next 1 The top of the box is so constructed that when a spring is touched it turns easily upon a rod inserted longitudinally through the top. There is, in fact, a false top, some inches above the apparent top where the locks and seals are. They remain intact while the false top is now swinging loosely. A second 'touch of the spring when the captive has slipped out securely fastens the false top. The lights are turned on, spectators are summoned to look at the seals, which have not, of course, been touched ; the seals are broken, the box unlocked, and there is the box in the empty sack, while, to the amazement of all present, who do not know the secret, the man who was so firmly entrapped steps forward upon the stage.