Isle of Wight Observer August 23 1887
TIGHT KNOTS – During the last few days considerable interest has been aroused by a gymnast who performs in the street, and who allows himself to be tied with robes, out of which he manages to wriggle with considerable celerity. While performing on Tuesday evening, however, a mariner named Bevis, came up and said, “Let me have a try, mate.” The operator could not very well refuse, and Bevis, thereupon tied him up so artistically that the gymnast became black in the face from his fruitless efforts to escape, and finally had to call on the sailor to release him.