Democratic Sentinel, Volume 14, Number 50, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 2 January 1891 — Mind Reading in Chicago. [ARTICLE]

Mind Reading in Chicago.

P. Alexander Johnstone, the wonderful young mind-reader, gave an exhibition of his powers on an Indiana avenue horse-car that resulted in tl*e complete demoralization of a prominent South Side business man, and furnished infinite amusement to several of his friends. The business man is very fond of his wife, whom he affectionately calls Jennie, and is exceptionally proud of his three interesting children, the eldest of whom is an auburn-haired miss of 15. When he seated himself beside Johnstone, facing his friends, he ventured a remark that led up to an animated conversation. Mind-reading was finally broached, when Johnstone, concealing his identity, said he could duplicate the mind-reader’s work. The business man’s incredulity was expressed in his ejaculation, “Bats.” “Take one of those letters you hold in your hand,” said Johnstone, “and think intently of the signature.” The man complied, and in an instant Johnstone repeated the name at the bottom of the epistle. The man looked a little surprised, but presently, glancing at the envelope, saw the signer’s card on the upper left corner. “That’s only a trick,” he said, “now tell me the signature to this,” holding out a dainty missive. Johnstone took the man’s wrist, closed his eyes, and, after thinking a moment, asked if he really wanted the fall signature mentioned. “Why. yes,” said the man, doubtfully, and betokening a certain apprehension. “Your loving little sweetheart, Edith,” Johnstone replied. The business man looked at Johnstone in wild-eyed amazement, and then hastily left the car, followed by the uproarious laughter of his friends. “It’s a good thing for Ned that Jennie isn’t here,” commented one of the friends.— Chicago Evening Journal.