ily frightened by both people and circumstances,
narrow-minded in his views, and miserly in his habits. It is a
well-established fact that the thumbs of all misers are "tied in" and
cramped-looking. It is perhaps this very fear of things and people that
in the end makes them misers with their gold.

One need never waste one's time asking a person with one of these
cramped-looking thumbs to do a favour, and may God help the business man
or woman who ever gets into such a person's clutches!

A thumb with the nail joint supple (bending backwards or as it is also
called "double jointed") indicates a character the exact opposite of that
associated with the "tied in" thumb. Possessors of such a thumb are
generous, adaptable to others, extravagant, and impetuous in their
actions and decisions. They promise things quickly and are more often
heard to say "Yes" than "No"; but if they have time for reflection, they
very often go back on their promises.

Individuals having a "stiff-jointed" thumb, on the contrary, cannot
easily adapt themselves to others. They are distant and more reserved
with strangers. When asked to do a thing, they generally first say "No,"
but on reflection or when reasoned with, they often give in to the other
and generally regret having done so. It is useless to oppose such
people--if one cannot lead them, it is no use attempting to force them
against their will.

This type has more self-control than the type of people with the "supple
jointed" formation, and is not so generous or extravagant. Individuals of
this group, however, make more reliable friends, so their friendship,
though difficult to obtain, is generally worth having.

A thumb standing very far out from the hand (almost at right angles to
the palm) is not a good sign for ordinary success. Such people go to
extremes in everything they do and are generally fanatics in religion,
social reform, or whatever line of thought occupies their attention.

HANDS, HARD AND SOFT

Even in the simple act of shaking hands, one can form conclusions about
character.

Beware of any man or woman whose hand seems to slip from yours when you
grasp theirs in greeting. Such persons are deceptive and treacherous.
They may smile at you with their lips, but instinctively they regard you
as their prey and will only use you for their own object.

A soft, fat hand is the indication of an indolent and more or less lazy
person.

A firm hand is the sign of an energ