FAMILY FUN

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXXV, Issue 2, 28 February 1907, Page 38

FAMILY FUN

Here is another card trick, which, althoughin the nature of a ' sell,' will cause a great deal of astonishment :—The performer announces that he is about to present a marvellous experiment in .' thought reading,' for which it is necessary that lie has the assistance of two persons.

Two lads from the audience come to the conjurer's table or on to the platform, as the case may be. The performer has a liUle harmless fun with the boys, making them solemnly promise to assist him 1o .the best of their • aibility ; and then he requests that two cards should be chosen from' the pack, remarking with some point, ' 1 am going to do the trick, and these two young gentlemen are going to assist ! ' The two cards are chosen, by two ladies if possible. Whilst the cards are shown to the remainder of the audience the performer* requests that he and his assistants may be allowed to turn the.ir backs to the audience. i. "

The performer returns to the persons who have chosen the cards, and, -opening the pack in the centre, requests that the first card should be returned. Secretly, t/he tip of the little finger is inserted between the two parts. Going to the " second person and opening the pack again, he requests that the second card be returned. This is— done, the two cards now being together 1 in the middle .of the pack at the '' brieak.' 'Whilst returning to the table the conjurer places the bottom half of the pack with the two cards on the top, at the same time again remarking, ' I'm doing the trick, and these two young gentlemen are- helping.'

It is now quite easy to .get a peep at both the chosen cards. Having done so, slip the top card to the bottom, turning it face inwards to the pack. Take the pack in the ' left "hand, and slightly moisten the first finger and thumb of the right hand with the mouth. .This can- be done without being remarked by pretending to think,- and putting the first finger to the lips.

Take the pack into the right "hand, squeezing "it lightly, by the first finger and thumb, thumb 'on top, finger- underneath. Desire the persons who have chosen cards to - "touch the pack lightly, and 'think.' The performer then alternately names , their cards, remarking; again, ' I am -dodng the trick, and . these - two young gentlemen "are" helping.' A laugh will be caused, the assistants up till now having done nothing. The performer then throws the pack into the air, breaking ' the fall " of. the cards upon the back of his hanid; and upon opening his finger and thumb the chosen caJrds which' are ratiained will, be , found adhering to them- as •if just caug-ht in the air. Turning -.them to- his assistants the ■ performer remarks, ''I've rloffe the trick ;- will you kindly pick up the cards?' and general merriment is sure to ensue,.

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