Dr Lyons has worked out a very clean cut and effective combination in this effect, and it is a true example of what may be done with single tricks when joined or blended. The performer writes two prophecies of color on blank cards and seals them in envelopes. Each sealed envelope is handed to a spectator to pocket. From three differently colored handkerchiefs, one spectator selects one. The second spectator is given a metal tube and three colored candles. A cloth bag is used and inside this, the spectator mixes the candles and puts one into the tube and closes it leaving the remaining candles in the bag. Thus even he himself does not know for the moment what color he has selected.

The first spectator opens his envelope and reads the card. “You are going to choose the [—] handkerchief.” And it’s right !

The second envelope is opened, the spectator taking out the card and reading it aloud. “And secondly, you will unconsciously select the [—] candle.”

Picking up the closed tube, the performer deliberately opens it and the correct candle drops out ! It’s my idea of a beautifully routined effect. Common magical accessories are used, but, as it can be seen, the first part may be changed as to method and articles if the reader thinks it advisable, which personally I don’t. As it stands you need a change bag, one red silk, one white, and three blues. Also a set of the standard and catalogued Patriotic Rockets, together with a packet of envelopes and cards, one of the envelopes being a triple faked one as per an effect of Jinx N°15.

I would advise having the silks and candles all different in color, making six colors in the effect. Have the envelope set with two cards written as given above for the candles. Have two blue silks on one side of the change bag.

In starting, take a card and an ordinary envelope. Write on it as given above for the handkerchiefs. Seal and give a spectator to pocket. The color you write is, of course, blue, or the one which will be forced in this case. Next take the faked envelope and another card. Write as stated for the candles inserting the one of the three colors not yet in the envelope. Seal and have it pocketed by another helper. Show the three handkerchiefs and pick up the bag in your left hand.

Drop in the red one, next the white, both of these going in the empty side of the bag. Accidentally (?) drop the blue, and as you retrieve it with your right hand, the handle of the bag is turned and the other side brought into play. Into this side is dropped the blue silk. Approaching the first spectator, he is asked to reach in, mix the hanks around and pull out one while you hold the bag behind your back. He pulls out the blue of course. You turn facing the audience again, and as the bag is brought back to the front, the handle is shifted once more and you reach in, taking out the two different silks and dropping them on the table with the bag. At this time pick up the candles, tube and cloth bag to be used as a shield. Show them and drop inside. The second spectator puts one into the tube out of sight. The bag is laid aside by him and you take the closed tube and place it in plain sight, but this action enables you to take it at the center and instantly tell by the slight tipping what color is inside. Recall that your prophecies were written before any selections took place and that such selections were made by the spectators themselves with no possible influence on your part. Ask the first person who selected the blue silk to open and read his prophecy. It is correct. Remarking that no one knows as yet what was chosen by the second person, take his envelope from him and open at the correct end for the color which you already know was selected. Shake out the card into his hand and have him read. Then pick up the tube and for the climax, open the tube and remove the candle of the color just announced. It is best to have an opened and crumpled envelope in the left coat pocket where you drop the one taken from the spectator as you pick up the tube, and then return this to the spectator to keep with his card if he wishes. Sometimes they don’t want them though. However, you have presented a very neat and clean effect.