- Train tracks are being laid throughout the Northeast, including a new subway line from Manhattan to Brooklyn. The work is dangerous, and Houdini visits one of the "sandhogs" (men who dig these tunnels) after the man survives one of the numerous blowout explosions that occur so often.
- The family doesn't like Houdini's intrusion, and Houdini walks the streets in humiliation afterwards. We learn of Houdini's many exploits, such as escaping from a packing case that's been lowered into the Detroit River.
- Houdini does a benefit for retired magicians and theater folk and then, feeling unsatisfied, leaves for a European tour. He kisses his mother goodbye before he leaves, nearly unable to leave her.
- After one of his shows, Houdini sees a demonstration of a French-made flying machine. He buys his own and proceeds to get taught how to fly it. He stays in the air as long as ten to twelve minutes during each flight. He begins to give lectures on the art of flying to young German military officers.
- One day after a flight Houdini meets Archduke Franz Ferdinand, heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne. Not knowing who he is, Ferdinand falsely congratulates Houdini on the invention of the aeroplane.