nd. The explanation is given
in the diagrams below, which show that the string does not pass
directly through each stick, but from one side only, then through its
centre down to the bottom, across to the other stick, up through its
centre, and out through its side. Consequently passing the knife
between the sticks cannot harm the string in any way.

The Indian conjuror goes still farther than the trick as supplied in
the child's box of tricks. After pulling the string to and fro while
the sticks are held as a "V" he separates the sticks completely. The
same result occurs nevertheless. When he pulls one end of the string
the other end is drawn towards its stick. This is brought about by a
different construction of the apparatus than that described above.

In this case the string is put through one side of the stick and is
attached to a small weight that can move freely up and down the
hollowed out centre of the bamboo. When the stick is held vertically
the weight will drop and the bead attached to the visible end of the
string will be automatically drawn in. When the performer wishes to
leave the pulled string out, he must incline the stick to a
horizontal position when the weight will not slide down. The diagrams
will show how the sticks should be held while showing the trick. It
can be easily manufactured or bought in a bazaar for a few annas.

[Illustration: Both sticks held vertically and both beads in]

[Illustration: One stick held horizontally allows the bead to remain
out, while the other being held vertically has the bead drawn in]

[Illustration: Vice-versa with sticks separated]

THE RING ON THE STICK

The sticks are put away into the basket, and the magic wand is
produced for our next little experiment, that of putting a borrowed
ring on to the middle of a stick that is held at both ends. Almost
every European in India has seen this performed in India for it is
the favourite of the Jadoo-wallah, and is the most effective of the
small tricks that he can show. It takes up a considerable time and is
simplicity itself.

In case any of my readers have not seen the trick in India, or on
their way out at Port Said, I will describe it. The performer either
borrows or uses his own thin cane, and passes it round to his audience
to show that it is devoid of all mechanism. He then borrows a wedding
ring, which he also allows to be freely examined. He gets A and B, two
of his audience, to hold the ends of