TEACHING A MAGISTRATE SLEIGHT-OF-HAND.

Thames Star, Volume X, Issue 3116, 12 February 1879, Page 2

TEACHING A MAGISTRATE SLEIGHT-OF-HAND.

An amusing exhibition was given to the presiding Alderman at the Guildhall Police Court of the manner in which those expert gentlemen who sell for a shilling or so purses supposed to contain a quantity of silver, are enubled to conduct their business under those apparently unprofitable terms. The operator was Frank Lowny a hawker. He said he only .sold the purges which, were worth * 6d each, and he gave away the money. It Was done by sleight-of-hand, and if his Worship would permit him he would show how it was done. Spinne^'"!!!®'" constable, handed the prisoner a, purse, together with three shillings arid three halfpence. The prisoner: "Now, sir, I wish you would watch me closely,? M~rj that you may see how I do it. ; Here is the purse (turning it inside out.) Now you all see there is nothing in it. Hand it round. (Laughter.) Well, sir, here are the three shillings. ~ I put them iv the purse and show them, and then shake them up. I next take three halfpence out of my pocket, but I do not then let them see me do it, and then tlitn I open the purse again I take out the three shillings and put in the three halfpence by sleight-of-hand, so they do not ieema,ind then I go so, so, so, so (slapping the pVA> from hand to hand), and then it is done." v (Roars of laughter.) Mr Alder maaFinnif said that he had convinced him now that there was a fraud in it, and on bia own ' showing he had committed it by sleight* of-hand. The .Alderman remanded the prisoner for the purpose of inquiries being " made about him.