Transient Money

Different sized envelopes are used, three in all. Three spectators are asked to step forward for a simple test of matter through matter. Each is given an envelope to examine. This being done, one man seals the smallest envelope and marks his initials across the pasted flap. He himself puts it into the next larger size envelope. The holder of that one seals and initials in the same manner as the first. This set of two he places in the largest envelope and the third person seals and initials, the nest of three sealed and marked envelopes being then placed in full view with the initialed side towards the audience.

One bill of any denomination is borrowed and the owner initials it first. Folding the bill several times, the performer causes it to vanish in a toss towards the envelopes. Picking up the set, the performer opens the large envelope. The set of two is removed and the outside envelope given to the first spectator to identify. Next the middle one is opened and this is acknowledged by the second person as his. Lastly the smallest of the three is opened and from the inside is very openly taken the borrowed bill which is returned to and identified by the owner.

In use is that dear old friend, the thumb tip. The sealing of the envelopes is fair in every way and need not be covered again. While the bill is being obtained, the tip is secured from the left pocket and after the folding and while the bill is being shown in right fingers, the tip is pulled off the left thumb into the left fist, thus leaving it mouth upwards in the curled left fingers. The bill is openly pushed into the left hand followed by the right thumb which steals the tip away. A blow and the bill has vanished.

Now the envelope is opened by tearing off an end. The right thumb (wearing the tip) and forefinger are used to remove the set of two from inside and the opened envelope is handed to the first person. The action is repeated with the next envelope.

Lastly the end is torn from the smallest, but this time the thumb only enters, the tip is grasped through the envelope from outside by the left fingers, and the thumb is withdrawn bringing the bill openly from within the envelope. It is immediately handed to the owner to identify and then returning to the front envelope is handed to the last person to keep.

This maneuver gives ample time for the right thumb to secure the tip and pocket it.

One seldom finds an effect as clean cut and direct as this. It appeals as being difficult but is absurdly simple. Try it out a few times for a reaction.