“MAGIC BOX”

Wairarapa Times-Age, 10 September 1938, Page 9

“MAGIC BOX”

AN OLD CONFIDENCE TRICK. One of the oldest confidence tricks in the world—the “Magic Box”—has just been used in a London hotel to rob a young Frenchman of £27,000. The victim, who gave his name as M. Robbins, had struck up an acquaintance in Paris with a smooth-tongued Brazilian. They became friendly, and the South American promised to “let him in” on an invention that would make millions. From his wallet he took an English Treasury note, and with wide eyes the Frenchman saw his new-found friend place the note in the slot of a small box and turn a handle. Out came two English Treasury notes. Inside the box, he was told, the note was first soaked in a lathery soap, which had the effect of thickening the paper. In this condition it was easily split in two by a razor-edged blade in the machine.

The couple came to London, where the Frenchman withdrew £27,000 in English notes from his bank. At their hotel they got everything ready to make the £27,000 into £54,000. “It will take us 12 hours to get this big job done,” the Brazilian said. During the meal the South American was called to the Telephone. He never came back.

Becoming suspicious, the Frenchman ran up to his room to find that his £27,000 had gone with the Brazilian!