Among many other attractions, the traveling circus featured Wanda the Wonderful, a faith healer who claimed the ability to heal any malady, slight or serious, real or imagined. She usually drew a big crowd, from which she would select a few people on whom to practice her healing skills. Among the unfortunate one Friday night, were Cecily Sussman, on crutches due to a congenital spinal malformation, and Irving Bland, who had suffered from a terrible lisp all his life.

“Cecily and Irving,” asked Wanda, “do you wish to be healed?”

“Yeth, ma'am,” said Irving, and Cecily nodded vigorously.

Wanda motioned them behind a purple velvet curtain and proceeded to chant and pray, grinding powders together and swaying before the audience. Finally she intoned, “Cecily, throw out your crutch.”
A crutch came sailing over the curtain.

“Cecily, throw out your right crutch.”
A second crutch clattered on the floor at the healer's feet.

“Now, Irving,” asked Wanda solemnly, “say something to the people.”
Irving's voice came clearly from behind the purple curtain. “Thethily Thuthman just fell on her ath.”