Every once in a while a principle makes its appearance and allows of being used in many varied ways. Over a year ago Dr Daley, in Jinx pages, introduced a method of using four pieces of plain silicate (four flaps) to obtain a spirit message. The following effect combines that with another idea which has found favor, and thus a magician’s dream easily becomes a reality.

In an impromptu manner and at any time or place, you can produce a phantom answer THAT IS A DIRECT REPLY to any question written by the spectator! Carry with you merely four silicate slate flaps about 4×5 inches and a piece of chalk. For the stage or club use pieces 6×9. Prepare by writing on one side of one piece a dummy answer, such as “It will occur sometimes next year”. Place this board writing side up 3rd from the top. Be sure you dot one so you can not get top and bottom mixed. Place these four in pocket or on the table as the case may be. Put chalk in the left coat pocket. In the same pocket have matches.

To start, show a piece of paper about 2×3 inches. Draw a mystic oval long ways across center and give to the spectator with the request that he write any question to which he wants an answer. Then he is told to fold the paper once each way, writing inside.

You take the folded paper, and with the long folded side to your right tear it lengthwise slightly to the left of the center. Place right hand piece behind (side nearest to you) other, tip them to left and tear the pieces again slightly to right of center. As you finish tear left thumb draws back piece under it and right fingers combine their pieces with single piece left in view in left hand, dropping them crumpled onto an ash tray, the left hand going to pocket for matches leaving the stolen paper behind. The matches are given to the spectator to burn the paper.

As this is being done you take the silicate flaps from your pocket, saying that you will try to get an answer by automatic writing. Hold them flatwise in left hand. With a cloth rub off the top surface. Turn top flap over to clean the other surface. Let it be apparent that sides contain nothing. Lay this top piece on the table. Clean the top surface of the next. Make a double turnover now, the next two pieces TOGETHER as one, clean apparently the underside and lay the top single piece on the table. The dummy message is UNDER this second flap put on the table. Continue with the other two. Four flaps in a row. Ask the spectator to point to two. Discard or pick up as the case may be, so that you now hold two flaps together, dummy message facing up and between. Hold in right hand and talk to spectator telling him to think of his question. Left hand goes to pocket for chalk and also secures the paper. It is brought up behind flaps, and held with left thumb as right takes chalk. The paper is folded but twice and in hand, you can readily see how it may be opened with aid from right fingers.

Now you apparently get impressions, writing on the surface towards you. Actually you have read the question from the torn out center of the paper, and WRITE A DIRECT ANSWER TO IT. Finishing, chalk and paper go back to pocket. Repeat aloud your DUMMY answer, asking the person if it means anything to him. As you ask, with the right hand pull off the rear flap and hold it facing spectator and audience, the left hand with the actual answer written upon flap holding it near body. This move is done easily but quickly, and it is impossible to see which one is taken.

The spectator says the message does not mean a thing. You put left hand flap under right arm and openly clean off the dummy message. Put the two together again with message inside and try again on the outside, letting people see as you try to write a few more disjointed words. These mean nothing so you remark that perhaps it would be best to let the message come through by itself. Clean off last words written and let the spectator put flaps into his pocket.

Spectator is now asked to repeat aloud his question for all to hear. Then he is told to take flaps out and look at them. The direct answer is found inside, and everything may be examined.

Seriously worked this makes a fine impression because of the direct answer angle, a feature which heretofore has depended upon assistants or plants, and not at all practical for the average performer.