Quite some years ago Mr Hull published an effect which he called Sheet Readings and which embodied a very effective method of presenting an old principle of sealed message reading. I made a few notes on it at the time for the action seemed very fair from the audience’s viewpoint. However, there were also a few little points that didn’t suit my own way of working and a detail or so which I subsequently added to make the working even more effective to the onlookers.

In the original effect the performer passed out small envelopes, cards and pencils for the writing of questions, numbers, names, etc. The envelopes were numbered for later identification. Sealed and collected in a basket, the envelopes were placed on a table while the medium took her seat in a chair and was covered completely with a large sheet. One at a time the performer proceeded to hold envelopes against the medium’s forehead outside the sheet. immediately she would call a number and the spectator would acknowledge it. Then she would answer the question or reveal the contents of the message. At the finish the pile of unopened envelopes were left in the basket at a spot where those wishing could look them over and regain their original writings.

The original method used a “change basket” of the type then much in vogue with crystal ball readers, and the action depended upon switching the original bunch for dummies, the medium getting the originals for her information beneath the sheet. The numbers on the envelopes were not of a size to be seen by the audience and so we went to work on the premise that the audience should see the numbers and assist in the handling a bit to prevent trickery (?).

As it stands now, this is the effect. Not more than 20 drug envelopes and cards with pencils of the bridge scoring type are distributed. In the corner of each envelope is a large and heavy figure (1 through 20) of the gummed type sold by stationary stores. These can be seen easily in clubs and homes for quite some distance. Questions, names, sentences, numbers, etc., are written and sealed.

A spectator from the audience collects them and comes forward to further assist with the proceedings. the medium is introduced, seated in a chair, blindfolded if wished, and covered with the sheet.

The spectator mixes the envelopes thoroughly and hands one to the performer, calling its number as he does so. The performer holds it against the medium’s forehead and she immediately reveals its contents. This is continued until all envelopes have been taken care of. The medium is uncovered, and the spectator takes the unopened envelopes into the audience for their return.

Probably the most important factor in this presentation is never seen, which is as it should be. The modern dealer catalogues seem to have lost sight of one of the most valuable accessories in magic. The older catalogues of even a decade ago never would have dreamed of omitting it. It’s the old deck changing servante to be attached to the back of a chair.

A five inch bag hangs from a metal band and above this, against the chair back is a clip which holds a pack of cards lying on its side. Let us say that the clip holds an arranged deck for some nefarious purpose. The magus has a shuffled deck in his right hand. He needs the chair for the trick or needs it out of the way. He moves it naturally, right hand on its back and the left hand lifting the front of the seat. Or he may move it back with one hand. Regardless, the deck in hand has been dropped into the bag, and the clipped deck is retained after the chair has been moved.

Having obtained or built one of these silent servants cut a slit across the bottom of the bag and sew into place a “zipper”. These can be obtained almost anywhere today for attaching to any type of cloth. Department stores and Five and Ten Cent stores have them.

In our case we’re going to put something of value INTO the servante instead of taking it away, and we’re going to use a packet of #2 size drug envelopes instead of a deck of cards.

The envelopes should be white. The numbers should be placed in one corner for an important reason. A dummy set of envelopes are made up and blank cards sealed inside. This set can be used a number of times until dirt steps in. Another set of envelopes is prepared and ready with cards and pencils. The cards are of good quality bristol board and a little experimentation will teach more than lines of print here. The pencils are soft in quality.

The sheet used is opaque insofar as seeing movement through it, but it is white and of the bed sheet type which lets light through it. The medium has a good pocket flashlight on her person.

The medium is not in view when the effect is begun. She may spend these moments testing her batteries. The performer passes out the writing material himself and returns to the front. A spectator is chosen to collect the sealed envelopes. As he comes forward the performer takes them naturally and stands the assistant to one side.

Introducing the medium the performer steps to the chair, upon the seat of which is the sheet, and upon the back of which is the servante with the dummy set in the clip. He moves the chair forward a foot or so and the medium is seated. The package of envelopes has been exchanged.

While the medium sits holding the sheet, the performer explains that she will assume a clairvoyant condition and attempt to attune herself with members of the audience. As he talks he hands the envelopes to a spectator (dummies) for mixing. And while this is being done the performer stands before the medium, opens the sheet out and drops it over her. As the sheet is opened out the medium sits back and upright in the chair, reaches both hands around behind it and secures the original envelopes from beneath the bag. This action is completed while the performer adjusts the sheet by stepping around behind and pulling it well over into place – AND AT THE SAME TIME THE PERFORMER CLOSES THE BAG AT THE BOTTOM HIMSELF.

By this time the medium has the flashlight in her lap and is well started sorting the envelopes into three or four piles. She has sort of slumped in the chair which gives her more lap space and as the sheet runs from knees to head she can work quite unhampered.

The performer has innocently stalled for a few seconds while the spectator completes his mixing and picks out one, calling the number as he does so. The performer takes it and asks for that person’s acknowledgement. Then he approaches the medium and holds it against her forehead with the number towards audience. This has given her ample opportunity to pick out the correct envelope, lay it on top of the flashlight lens and turn on the light. And she reveals the information as she gets it herself. There is no need to worry about the flashlight being seen if the medium is only careful enough not to turn it on when there is no envelope on top. It is just as well if she is seated as near bright lights as possible.

They’ll help cover any accidental flash.

The action continues until the next to the last is reached. The medium gets this as soon as she hears the number and also the next one as soon as possible, for it is the last. She starts on the last and says it is none too clear to her for her power is weakening. Under the cloth she has concealed the light and squared up the packet. She moves restlessly as she continues and as she turns a little in the chair to arise, still under the sheet, she deposits the packet of envelopes in the clip.

The performer has kept all of the answered (?) envelopes in his left hand during the procedure and now transfers them to his right. The medium stands and the performer moves the chair back again making the exchange. The sheet is removed. The performer thanks the assistant and hands him the bunch of envelopes for redistribution to the owners who may want them.