Royal Road to Card Magic The

say, what would I have done if you had chosen one of the other two cards? Suppose you had chosen this card [pick up one of the other two] I then would utter the potent spell "Arbadacarba", which is abracadabra spelled backwards, and [slowly turn the card face outwards] you see, it too is your ace of spades.'
    10. 'I know what you are thinking. What about the third card?' Turn to your left towards your table and make the top change, placing an indifferent card on the table. Pick up the third card and hold it face outwards, showing still another ace of spades. 'It is your card as well.'
    11. 'Now you are thinking, “Ah, they are all aces of spades!” That is not so.' Pick up the other two cards and place them on either side of the ace, showing them to everyone. 'Only one ace of spades! That you must believe, for seeing is believing!'
    In the hands of a good actor - and we say 'actor' advisedly, for all good magicians are good actors - this feat is one of the most delightful imaginable.
    Egyptian Pocket
    This feat is one of the few that are suitable for the stage or platform only. It was one of Alexander Herrmann's favourites, and he it was who gave it the name by which it has been known ever since. Successful presentation of the trick calls for considerable address rather than technical skill.
    The effect is that a spectator takes a pack of cards and has four cards freely selected by four other spectators. He collects the cards, and they are replaced in the deck, which is then shuffled and placed in his breast pocket. He himself then draws three of the four chosen cards from the deck, but he fails to find the fourth. Examination of the deck shows that the card is missing, but on blowing on his pocket he finds the card there. He blew too hard, however, for the magician pulls an avalanche of cards from various parts of his clothing.
    The only preparation required is to have a duplicate deck in your left jacket pocket. The deck to be used should be a new one, with the seal unbroken. If it is encased in a cellophane wrapper, this should be removed beforehand. Have the deck on your table.
    1. 'At the present time,' you begin, 'many people are concerned with the workings of what is termed the subconscious mind. We have our psychoanalysts and psychiatrists busily probing into its workings and coming up with curious results. I would like to conduct an experiment which I am sure will interest you. Will you, sir,' addressing a man who looks good-natured and appears to be enjoying the show, 'be kind enough to help me? Thank you. Please take this pack of cards [toss the pack to him] break the seal, take out the cards and certify to their condition? Kindly stand up as you do so, so that all can see.'
    2. The spectator opens the case, removes the cards, and tosses the case back to you. Instruct him to shuffle the cards and then spread them neatly, face downwards, with both hands. 'Now, I want you to smile amiably and ask this lady [indicating a woman in the front row and well to your right] to choose a card.' As he does this, address the lady (A): 'Please look at the card and remember it. Hold it in your right hand only for the moment, and don't let my assistant know what card it is.'
    3. Indicate another woman (B) a few seats away from the first and towards your left. Instruct your volunteer assistant to repeat his performance of having that lady take a card, asking her to use the same precautions, hold the card in her right hand, and conceal its face from your assistant.
    Have these same manoeuvres repeated twice more with two other ladies (C and D), always working towards your left. Some amusement may be had by telling your man each time to smile, and when he reaches the fourth lady you remark, 'Hard work, isn't it? I think you can manage one more smile.'
    4. Four cards having been selected, you continue, 'You will have to use both hands now, so I'll relieve you of the deck.' Take the cards from him. 'This is what I want you to do, and it is most important. Hold out your left hand, flat and palm upwards, and request the lady [he is still standing in front of D] to place her card face downwards on that hand. That's right. Now with your right hand grasp the lady's right hand, with which she held her card, and hold it for a few moments. Let the impression sink in. Fine! I think you have been impressed enough.'
    Indicate the next lady (C) and have the same manoeuvres repeated, laying emphasis on the impressions he is receiving from