An Escape by the Great Houdini

Harry Houdini, famous as America's greatest escape artist, faced one of his
most arduous challenges. Surely, this escape would be impossible! No one
had ever escaped from the carette, a six-foot square of steel used in old
Russia to transport criminals from Moscow to Siberia. "If you cannot get out,"
said the chief of the secret police, "we will have to ship you 2,000 miles to
Siberia. Only the prison governor there has a key to open the lock."

Houdini entered the covered carette. Not a sound came from the handcuffed
and chained magician inside the cage. Finally, after twenty-eight minutes, the
American staggered out. The seal on the door had not been disturbed and the
handcuffs and chains rested on the floor.

To this day, no one knows how Harry Houdini escaped from the carette in
Moscow over eighty years ago. His secret died with him in 1926.

What Does it Mean?

1. arduous
2. staggered

Comprehension Questions:

1. What is Harry Houdini famous for?

2. What was his challenge according to the article? Describe what a carette is.
3. What would happen if he would not be able to escape from the carette?
4. How many minutes did it take for Houdini to get out of the carette?
5. When did Houdini die?
6. Do you believe in magic?
7. Do you know any magician in your country?
8. Have you ever been to a magic show?