A subscriber’s letter fits into place now, and the answer, The Ballot Box Divination, is forgotten proof of the date when my indexes were in constant use. In the Sphinx for May 1926 was published a note from me asking priority claim to the effect. No method was given. A miniature revolving ballot box of the standard type (screening around the drum to leave contents visible) contained wooden counters of the Lotto type numbered from 1 to 50. It could be turned by a small crank. It was entirely unprepared. The performer would attempt to forecast a drawing of a number, and would ask a committee which (first, second, third, etc.) draw would be for the highest prize. On a slip of paper the magician would then write something, seal it in a letter envelope, and stand it somewhere in full view. The drawings would then be made in all fairness.
It should be needless to say that the pocket indexes were loaded with papers reading, “High prize will be won by number –.” 25 would be in each index.
Now I wouldn’t have gone to this length in telling about the trick if I didn’t have an additional angle to the handling of the paper prophecy. I didn’t include it with my former article. There’s nothing to it, and you never as much as mention the action. It isn’t even necessary in most effects where the action of the presentation takes time, but in this case the action of picking the number is a bit short and to the point which requires a bit of balancing by adding to the action of making and revealing the prophecy.
Merely have a letter size envelope in your inside coat pocket. Write the prophecy and fold it once each way. Hold in right hand while the left hand removes envelope. The paper apparently is placed inside, but it is only pushed under the left thumb on outside of envelope. The flap is wet and sealed down. Right hand pulls envelope away and stands it up in view and the left hand drops to side or pocket with the dummy slip. After the drawing, and when you have the correct paper in hand (either left or the right) pick up envelope with the hand that has the paper finger palmed. The other hand tears off the envelope’s end and immediately takes it by the long sides as one naturally does when blowing at the torn end to make it open. The moment it opens, the fingers of the hand containing the slip go into the envelope which is held with the thumb outside. The finger palmed paper is let slide down to the bottom. The hand holding the envelope reaches out towards a committeeman, performer saying, “Hold your hand out, please,” and then the envelope is turned open ends downwards so that the paper falls out onto the spectator’s open palm. “Will you read aloud the prophecy I made while the numbers were being mixed?” asks the performer, as he crumples up and tosses aside the envelope. “And that, ladies and gentlemen, is why I never take chances or bet on events of any kind. I always have to lose — to prove that I’m honest.”
The indexes, plus handling of the time element, are worked exactly as with the other effects in Jinx #82.
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