Yup - first thing I thought of was “The Great Brain at the Academy”. That was published in 1972, but were semi-autobiographical of the authour’s childhood at the turn of the century. I’m guessing this con was added based on the revealed secrets, but who knows - maybe it was an older trick than that? Regardless - they’re great books for kids with a very intelligent protagonist, provided you’re okay with a child con-man. I still like the old covers myself, this is Book #4
cover image
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