CHAP. XI.
A curious Secret to make a Card pass from one Hand into the other.
Take two deuces, the one of spades, the other of hearts; then put on that of spades the marks of hearts, and on that of hearts, those of spades; which you will do easily, by splitting a card of each colour, which you are to cut out with dexterity, in order that the mark may be very neat: then rub lightly on the back of the spades and hearts that you have cut, a little soap, or very white pomatum; then put the mark of hearts on the ace of spades, and the mark of spades on the ace of hearts; taking care to cover them quite hermetically, and to make all your preparations before you begin your experiments.
Divide your pack of cards in two parcels, and under each parcel you must put one of your two aces thus prepared; afterwards, take with your right hand the parcel under which is the ace of hearts, and with your left that where the ace of spades.
You will then shew to the company that the ace of hearts is on the right hand, and the ace of spades on the left; when every body is convinced of it, you are to say, ladies and gentlemen, I am going to command the ace of hearts, which is in my right hand, to pass to my left, and the ace of spades to take its place; you may even propose to have both your arms tied, to prevent their joining and communicating.
All the secret consists only in making a movement and stamping of your foot, when you give your command: during this movement and stamping of your foot, you must slip with dexterity your little finger on each of the marks, in order to rub off and make the marks of spades and hearts, that were sticking on the two cards by the means explained before, fall, without any body perceiving it; then you will shew to the company that the cards have obeyed your command, by passing from the left to the right, and from the right to the left, without your hands communicating.
This trick, done with dexterity and subtilty, will appear very singular, although it is very simple.