An assistant from the audience distributes nine numbered slips of paper, the performer asking each person to write a question or bit of personal data. The written slips are collected in an unprepared envelope by the distributor and sealed. In full view at all times, the envelope is placed before the audience by the performer and another assistant recruited to watch it.
The medium is now introduced and seated with her back to the audience, well blindfolded. During this, the envelope and slips are burned by the spectator.
A large slate is shown to contain a square divided into nine smaller ones, three across and three down. The assistant who has burned the envelope is given a slate and chalk and told to number the squares from 1 to 9 in any order he may select. The performer now hands the assistant a pointer and asks that one of the number be indicated. The person who wrote on that particularly numbered paper stands, and the medium gives an answer, or reveals correctly what was written! This continues until all have been covered. Then, as a startling climax, the medium calls out several numbers which the performer puts under the numbered squares on the slate. When the three vertical columns are added, it is disclosed that the total is the same as the numbers called out!
The general effect of this routine is very good and different. And it has a set number of items to be revealed so does not go on and on endlessly like most of such acts. Requirements are: several ordinary pay envelopes, a few small slips of fairly thin paper, pencils, large slate and chalk, blindfold, and one of the new large card reels.
Bind five or six ordinary pay envelopes of a fairly large size together with a WIDE rubber band. Using another envelope, fold its length in half with flap outside after enclosing 9 slips of paper and sealing.
The crease edge of this folded envelope is stuck under the rubber band on flap side of stack. Square up stack and referring to illustration the folded envelope occupies position ABCD, the band concealing the fact that it is folded. Hold the packet securely in left hand like a deck of cards.
The reel is concealed in the folds of the blindfold and both are in medium’s possession. Step into the audience with envelope packet in left hand and 9 slips of paper and pencils in right. Have the papers passed out and written upon. When completed pull one of the ordinary envelopes off the back and hand to a spectator, asking him to gather the slips, place in envelope, seal and fold the envelope once. Take it back and lay it openly on packet so that it occupies position EFGH. Hold packet above head with genuine envelope facing audience and return to stage. Step to table and at this moment pull the previously prepared envelope out and stand it tentwise on the table, left hand pocketing the rest of the envelopes. This is a perfect switch and quite indetectable.
At this moment of pocketing the envelopes left, the medium is introduced from the right. The spectator comes up to watch the envelope and as you seat the medium with back to audience and blindfold her, have the assistant burn the envelopes and questions. The process of blindfolding is more important that it would seem. The bandage is placed a bit high so the medium can see plainly downward. Stand facing the audience at medium’s left as you fasten blindfold at back. While in this position, the medium REACHES INTO PERFORMER’S POCKET WITH HER RIGHT HAND AND REMOVES THE ENVELOPE WITH GENUINE QUESTIONS. In the meantime medium has also fastened the reel to her dress or hold tightly between her knees. As the performer moves to her right side to adjust the blindfold, she passes button on end of thread to him in his left hand.
By this time the envelope is burned. Performer picks up slate with left hand (button is inside hand and thread goes through at root of fingers to medium) and holds with fingers behind and thumb in front while with right he makes the squares and has spectator number. He then tells spectator to point to them one at a time in any order and also asks the corresponding person in audience to stand. He folds his arms and steps back a bit but keeps slate in view. Arms are folded so that right hand is out of sight under left arm. Right fingers locate the thread and all is set to signal the number pointed. During this time the medium has opened the envelope and arranged the slips keeping her arms tightly against sides throughout. Once arranged, she grips the thread and is ready.
The code itself is simple. One short tug means one and one long tug means add five to the shorter number. Thus 4 would be four short tugs and five one long. Six would be one long followed by a short. Zero, when it comes up in the final total of the three columns is sent by two long tugs.
Actual practice will smooth out the action and show you that the figures for the final addition can be easily gained while the medium is giving the answers or telling what the person is thinking of. There is no rush for this. The moment the last slip has been described you send the first number of the answer. Tell the assistant to add the columns, and in this interval you send medium the others. Then, without a word after the problem has been added, medium comes out with the correct answer. The performer merely lets go of the thread and it hikes right back to mama who pockets it with the papers.
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