This was also when Houdini realized how to get free publicity. The first time was in Rhode Island. He invited a reporter to go to the police station with him. There he challenged the police chief to lock him up. The police chief put six pairs of handcuffs on him, locked him in a jail cell (locked room), and went away laughing. Minutes later, Houdini was laughing-and free. The next day there was an article in the newspaper and crowds of people to see his show.