Heller’s Salle Diabolique

     “Robert Heller, always willing and agreeable, presented his patrons last night with a fresh programme. Half a dozen new tricks were performed and ‘explained,’ with Heller’s usual felicity of manner and dexterity.  There came a new spiritual manifestation.  Willie was placed in a bag, the neck of which was tied with strings, sealed with wax.  Previously his hands had been locked in a pair of handcuffs. In this condition he is placed in a closet.  Sounds more or less musical immediately proceed from it, and in a few minutes Willie is discovered sitting on a chair, out of the bar, but with the gyves [sic] still upon his wrists, and the bag with the seal unbroken. The question is how did he get out? If our readers see the trick performed, they will probably be able to explain it.”

     “Heller produced another sensation at his Salle Diabolique last week, entitled the ‘Spirit Sack.’ A man is tied up in a sack supposed to be occupied by ghosts, and some of the most wonderful things are accomplished ever witnessed on the stage. This last new sensation is one of Mr. Heller’s best, and has been favorably received every night by the large audiences in attendance.”