Hercats New and Startling Illusion, The Mystery of "She" at the Egyptian Hall, Englands Home of Mystery, 1886. Ayesha Rising from the Flames. Hercat, (R.D. Chater 1836-1913) was an illusionist and ventriloquist who published several books on conjuring, mind reading and ventriloquism. She was the title character in the popular adventure story by H Rider Haggard, first published as a magazine serial and then as a novel in 1886 - 87. She (Ayesha) was a tribal queen who appeared to be immortal after passing through a mysterious pillar of fire. Hercats illusion of a beautiful woman rising from the flames cleverly cashed in on this fame.