But really it may be dispensed
with; for it is a curious fact that, in every case when the cards
are cut, you may actually replace them just as they were without
being observed by the spectators--for the simple reason that the
ruse is not suspected, especially if their attention is otherwise
engaged with your pointed observations.
The 'gift of the gab' is in this case, as in many others, a very
great resource. A striking remark or bon mot will easily mystify
the spectators, and attract their attention from what you are
DOING. Hence all prestidigitators are always well stocked with
anecdotes and funny observations; indeed, they talk incessantly:
they speak well, too, and they take care to time the word
accurately with the moment when their fingers act most
energetically.
III. To slip a card.--To slip a card is to pretend to take the
bottom card of the pack, and in reality to take the card which
precedes it. To perform this feat without detection is a very
simple affair, but it requires practice.
The pack of cards being held in the right hand,
advance the left hand--palm upwards--just as if you were seizing
the last card with the middle finger; but, having slightly
moistened this finger with the lips, push back this card, and
make it slip under the palm of the right hand, whilst you seize
the preceding card with the thumb and forefinger.
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