Fatal Number

Using slates in the prosaic
manner prescribed by magic
catalogues is the common thing
to do. I’ve tried to be different in
this effect and put an aura around
the trick to impress the audience.
The means to an end may be all
too familiar, but the approach
and climax should satisfy.

The performer shows a large display board (it can be made to fit the suitcase,
or fold to fit a briefcase) upon which can be seen a long list of Kings who,
throughout history, have either been murdered or deposed. It is shown that
the fatal number 2 has been in evidence constantly and that around these
rulers there existed something unknown, something far greater than mere
coincidence can explain away.

Two slates and a packet of cards containing the names and countries of
the 18 rulers are at hand. The slates are shown blank on all sides, secured
together with two bands, and two spectators step forward and one mixes
the packet of cards thoroughly. The other spectator stands beside the large
display board (containing the list of 18 deposed rulers as illustrated here)
and is told to start at the top and tap each name deliberately and slowly
down the column, stopping wherever he may please (this is NOT a force).

At the same time, the man with the shuffled packet of cards holds them face
down and deals off a card each time the first man touches a name. He stops
dealing when the man stops pointing. The name and country is read aloud.
The second man turns over the last card he dealt and shows it. IT BEARS
THE SAME NAME AND COUNTRY !

The first coincidence having been proven, the performer has the man turn
over the next card and call it aloud. The performer takes back the two slates
and shows the inside surface of one.

On it is a large and heavy chalked signature of that ruler. Stating that he
will go a bit further, the performer announces that he has not only secured
the signature from a ghostly land, but has also managed to get a picture of
the ruler as he is today. Turning the other slate, he shows a large chalked
picture of a skull !

Practically everything used is everyday knowledge to magicians. The two
slates have a common and not too tight flap. The signature of, say the tenth
king, Alexander, is written on the one side of the flap. The skull is drawn on
inside of one slate. Cover with flap and mark the frame on the other side so
you know later which is which. Get blank playing cards from your nearest
dealer and make two sets of 18 cards each, according to the list of rulers
and countries. Now make an extra card for the tenth name, Alexander II of
Russia.

On the back of the display board is fastened a simple chair back servante
used for cards and in every magical catalogue. A small bag has just above it
a clip in which is resting one of the 18 card packets arranged from back to
face EXACTLY the same as the list of names on board from top to bottom.
The board is placed in front of a chair, resting on floor. The extra card is put
in performer’s right trouser pocket. The other 18 card packet is with slates.
Two bands are at hand.

Attention is called to the list and the story told of the apparently gruesome
curse. The two slates are shown casually, placed together and fastened with
the two bands. Two people assist in holding them. Two more spectators
help. One is given the packet of cards to read a few aloud and shuffle well.
The performer takes them back in left hand as he asks the other person
to stand near the board and touch the names. In explaining this part, the
performer picks up the board with left hand at top and the packet goes
out of sight for a second with thumb in front. It drops in bag and fingers
grasp the substitute deck as the board is picked up and placed on chair
seat against back. The switch to arranged deck is perfect and most natural.

The man having been told how to point, the other is given back his deck.
No matter where the first man stops in his pointing, the second must be at
the same name with his cards. As this is being done you secure the card
from pocket. When man stops pointing, take the remaining packet from the
second man while he turns over his last dealt card. Add the force card to
the top of his packet, and after this part of the effect, hand the packet back
and ask him to turn over the next card and call it out.

Take the two slates back. Remove the bands and hold flat with marked side
upward. Remove the lower slate (with flap) and show the correct signature.
Lay aside, and talk for a moment about the getting of the picture as the
ruler is today. Then you can freely turn the other slate up and show the
skull. I think you’ll find you have something.