But a little preparation is necessary in order to present this mystery in comparison with the effect obtained. It is one of those stunts which many will like to have ready and prepared in their home for immediate use at a time when the company is in a receptive mood.
The performer shows a bunch of manilla pay envelopes numbered consecutively from one to fourteen. These are all sealed, although empty, and may be examined at will. The performer instructs a spectator to cut the pack of cards while his back is turned, initialing the face card of the cut. He is to replace this cut off pile, and then cut deck again, deeper in this case, remembering the face card of this cut as a numeral only. Thus the assistant has selected and marked a card, and also has selected a number. The packet of numbered and sealed envelopes is on table with deck and all light is extinguished.
In the dark the performer explains that vibrations from those concentrating on the selected card will reveal it while he is passing his hands above the deck on the table. A few minutes elapse, lights are turned up and the magician states that half of the test has succeeded. The light has been turned on to break the train of thought. It is again turned out, this time all concerned concentrating on the numeral only. When the light is on again, they are told that he, the performer, found out the thoughts of the card and then the numeral, but also, through a secret handed down among the clan from the legacy of Cagliostro, has caused a strange transposition. The spectator takes the pile of envelopes, looking for the one bearing the chosen numeral. This is opened and INSIDE IS FOUND THE NOTED AND MARKED CARD!
If all secrets in magic were as straightforward and simple as with this effect, life for a mystic would be simplified. Each playing card is treated with a dot of luminous paint at about the center of both ends on the face side. There is a duplicate set of 14 envelopes, unsealed, and they are numbered like the 14 seen by the audience. Seven are in one pocket and seven in another, and in rotation so any numbered envelope may be secured quickly. Put envelopes and cards on a table with a lamp if possible and put out all other lights. When the cards are cut, the light strikes the paint and livens it up. The topmost cut is the autographed card, the lower is the numeral. In the dark, fan the deck face towards you.
Transfer the first luminous card (numeral) to face of deck; the next one (marked) to the back or top. When light is put on to apparently break train of thought, you pick up and square deck and envelopes as you explain this, noting the numeral card. With lights out again, remove the properly numbered envelope from pocket and in it seal top (marked) card from deck. Count down in envelope pile and remove the right one (they are in order), putting yours in its place. The light is turned on, and the effect climaxed. It is best to save most of your talk for the periods when light is out. It makes the interval, short as it is seem much shorter.
Leave a Reply