. . . . . . Clubs.
4. The lower-lip drawn over the
upper . . . . . . . . . . . Spades.
Thus, if the Greek wishes to announce, for instance, the knave
and ace of hearts, he successively directs his looks upon the
play of his adversary, upon the stake, and to the opposite side,
whilst keeping his mouth slightly open.
It is evident that this telegraphy may be employed at all games
where there is a gallery. In effect, nothing is easier at Piquet
than to indicate, by the aid of these signals, the colour in
which the player should discard and that in which he should keep
what cards he has.
These are the simplest signs; but some of the Greeks have a great
number of them, to designate everything; and even sometimes to
communicate and receive intelligence, when necessary. This
telegraphy is so imperceptible that it is difficult to describe
it, and altogether impossible to detect it.[7]
[7] Tricheries des Grecs devoilees.
Robert-Houdin has exhausted the subject of card-trickery, in
connection with that prestidigitation which, it seems, all card-
sharpers cultivate, the description of which, however, is by no
means so entertaining as the visible performance.
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