in the sense of bolting at the sight of 'blue,' though
that is of consequence to card-sharpers--is of importance in all card
tricks. In many tricks cutting the cards is only a pretence, as it is
necessary for the success of the trick to replace them as they were; in
technical terms, we must 'blow up the cut.'(87)

(87) This is the sauter la coupe referred to in the chapter on the
Gaming Clubs, in the account of the trial of Lord de Ros. See 'Graham's
Club.'

There are several ways of performing this sleight-of-hand. The cards
being cut, and forming two lots on the table, smartly snatch up the lot
which should be placed on the other, with the left hand.

This lot being taken up and the hand being in the position shown in the
figure, snatch up in like manner the other lot, and, by a movement of
the palm of the hand and the tips of the fingers, pass the second lot
under the first.

The deception of the trick depends upon its dexterity, and this can only
be acquired by practice. 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.

In this manner you may successively draw out several cards besides the
last, and only draw the las