# Paine — The Humbugs of the World character guide

> Paine in The Humbugs of the World by P. T. Barnum.

**Role:** minor

**Also known as:** Mr. Paine

**First appearance:** 0008-iv

## Who they are

A man who attempted to humbug Barnum with a fake mermaid.

## In the story

### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_humbugs_of_the_world_se/chapters/i)

Referenced as 'The Great Shot-at' who promoted water-gas, a scientific humbug.

### [Banner of Light — Messages from the dead — Spiritual civilities — Spirit "hollering" — Hans von Vleet, the female Dutchman — Mrs. Conant's "circles" — Paine's table-tipping humbug exposed.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_humbugs_of_the_world_se/chapters/xv)

Medium exposed for using a mechanical lever under the floor to move a table without contact; confessed after being confronted by investigators.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_humbugs_of_the_world_se/characters/paine
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_humbugs_of_the_world_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_humbugs_of_the_world_se/characters