| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from Miracle Mongers and Their Methods by Harry Houdini: very good supper, and eat as much as two
or three other men who have not their
stomachs so thoroughly purged.
Before he presents himself to the
spectators, he washes all his glasses in the best
white-wine vinegar he can procure. Coming
on the stage, he always washes his first
glass, and rinses it two or three times, to
take away the strength of the vinegar, that
it may in no wise discolour the complexion
of what is represented to be wine.
 Miracle Mongers and Their Methods |
The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from The Riverman by Stewart Edward White: pursued Heinzman, "that vould be satisfactory."
Orde's mind was struck chaotic by the reasonableness of this
request, and the utter impossibility of acceding to it.
"How much of a bond?" he asked.
"Twenty-fife thousand vould satisfy us," said Heinzman. "Bring us a
suitable bond for that amount and ve vill sign your contract."
Orde ran down the stairs to find Newmark. "Heinzman won't sign
unless we give him a bond for performance," he said in a low tone,
as he dropped into the chair next to Newmark.
Newmark removed his unlighted cigar, looked at the chewed end, and
returned it to the corner of his mouth.
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