he serviette on your right with your left
hand (to show that the pellet is still there) and transfer it to your
right, holding it with your thumb on top and fingers underneath, and
re-cover the pellet. As you do this nip the pellet between the tips of
your first and second fingers in such a way that it does not show in
front of them as you withdraw your hand palm upwards. Then raise the
centre serviette with your left hand, transfer it to your right, as
before, and re-cover the pellet, and as you do so, drop the pellet
concealed between your fingers under it. Then raise the third serviette
with your left hand, transfer it to your right, re-cover the pellet,
and, in doing so, nip the latter between your fingers, as you did the
first one. Then say: "There are three pellets on the table covered by
serviettes. I command the one here (pointing to the one on your left) to
travel invisibly to the centre serviette." Turn the serviette over, and
show the pellet has gone. Then lift the centre serviette with your left
hand, and show the two pellets under it. Transfer it to your right hand,
and, in replacing it, drop the concealed pellet. Then say: "We have now
two pellets under the centre serviette, and one under this one"
(pointing to the one on your left). "I command this one to join its
fellows." Lift the serviette as you speak, and show the pellet has gone;
lift up the centre serviette, and the three pellets will be found
together.

FOUR CIGARETTE PAPERS

This is a variation of the previous trick. Roll up five cigarette papers
into pellets. Conceal one at the root of the left thumb, and form a
square with the others on the table. Show your hands empty (the
concealed pellet will not be observed if properly held), and cross your
hands over the pellets on the table. With the tips of your right fore
and second fingers nip one of the pellets on your left, and at the same
time drop the pellet concealed in your left hand between the two on your
right. Move both hands away quickly, and one of the pellets on your left
will appear to have travelled invisibly under your right hand. Again
cross your hands, passing your right hand under the left, and as you do
so drop the pellet concealed between your fingers, covering it at once
with the left hand. Then nip the remaining pellet with your right first
and second fingers, as before, and, on lifting your hands, all four
pellets will appear on your right. You can get rid of the remaining
p