Embodied in this effect will be found a demonstration of both magic and
mindreading, a triple mystery and a novel presentation.

The performer tells the following story : There once was an old man, a
friendless recluse known to his neighbors only as Mr X. (Small white
card, Fig. 1, is shown and placed in drug envelope representing Mr X’s
home) One day Mr X applied for police protection, stating that he feared
for his life. A guard was assigned to his home. (Envelope is folded and
stood tentwise (^) before a spectator who acts as guard) Although it was
thought that Mr X had no close friends, there was one man in whom he
confided, giving him the name of an enemy, in case he, Mr X, were to
meet with unexplainable accident. The friend wrote it down so as not to
forget it. (A second spectator is given the white card – Fig. 2 – on which
he is told to write the first name of someone present on the line provided,
allowing no one to see it. (The name card is sealed in another envelope,
folded, and stood tentwise before Mr X’s friend) One day the old man
failed to appear and the guard forced an entrance to find Mr X dead,
stabbed through the heart. (Pseudo-guard opens envelope and finds card
as shown in Fig. 5) News of the murder came to the ears of Mr X’s friend
who rushed to police headquarters with the envelope containing the name
of the man Mr X had feared, elated that he had written it down because
he had long since forgotten it. However, when the envelope was opened
(have pseudo-friend open his envelope and withdraw the card) the card
was blank.

In their efforts to solve the crime, the local police were stalemated at
every turn. They finally called in a representative of the Department of
Justice. (Performer) On the second day, this man stepped up to a person
on the street, and said “Bill, (or. whatever was the secretly written name)
you are under arrest for the murder of Mr X.”

Acted out, this stunt becomes an interesting story and finishes with a
complete surprise angle. It is quite perfect for clubs and house parties
where the audience is acquainted with one another.

REQUIRED

• W – White card (Fig. 1)
• X – White card (Fig. 5)
• Y – White card (Fig. 2)
• Z – White card (Fig. 6)
• L – Window envelope (drug), cut as shown and in which Y will fit (Fig. 3)
• M – Drug envelope with flap cut off (Fig. 4)
• N – Folded drug envelope (Fig. 7)

And a wide rubber band and several unprepared envelopes.

PREPARATION

Place X in unprepared envelope (O). Push to bottom but do not seal. Put
M on top of O and bring flap of O down over it which makes M look
ordinary even when flap is raised. Place Z in folded envelope. Push to
bottom and seal.
Arrange envelopes and cards as shown in side view (Fig.9) and bind with
rubber band. N then assumes position on packet (DC edge under band)
as shown by ABCD in Fig. 8. Despite this faking, result is an innocent
appearing packet of envelopes bound with rubber band.

SECRET

The effect is accomplished by employing two switches and reading the
written name through the window envelope (L).

PRESENTATION

Lay the packet on left palm flap side up. Remove Y and L, laying to one
side. Exhibit W and place in M without removing M from the packet.
Grip flap of O, and pull O free from packet turning packet slightly toward
yourself, which takes care of the first switch. Now, in the process of
tapping O on the table apparently to get W (really X) to the bottom of
the envelope, left hand turns the packet over, and using it as a base, O is
folded, sealed, and stood tentwise on the table. Y is now handed to second
spectator for writing of name. As name is written, right hand picks up
L, right forefinger covering the window. Handle carelessly but make no
attempt to show ordinary. When Y is ready, hold L towards the spectator,
flap side up, have Y inserted writing side down and pushed to bottom. To
turn L so window is toward you, tap it a bit on the table which covers the
move. Hold L to spectators lips for him to lick the gum, and written name
will be directly before your eyes. Lay L, flap side up, on packet and fold
in half, creasing it carefully and holding it on packet with left fingers so
that it assumes position EFGH as shown in Fig. 8. Right hand starts to
take folded L, left hand turns slightly toward body, and right fingers pull
N from beneath rubber band and stand it tentwise on table to your right.
Left hand drops packet of envelopes in pocket and the effect is brought to
a conclusion.