24 The Art of Riding. 



be remembered that he was invited to the House 

 of Commons by the leading M.P.'s of both 

 Parties, who were desirous of testing the power 

 he claimed of being able to read the thoughts 

 that are passing through one's mind. In a 

 private room of the House there could, of course, 

 be no deception practised ; and the intelHgence 

 of the illustrious audience forbade the hope of 

 successful imposition of any kind, should such be 

 necessary to sustain the credit and reputation of 

 the celebrated performer. Mr. Cumberland was, 

 therefore, fairly on his trial. 



Mr. Gladstone was his first subject. The 

 Right Honourable gentleman was requested 

 to fix his mind upon some figures or numbers, 

 and to exclude all other thoughts. Mr. 

 Cumberland then took his hand, and with a 



