Chapter III · HANDKERCHIEF TRICKS.
Professor Hoffmann translation
Among the articles which the spectators are in the habit of entrusting to conjurors for the execution of their tricks, handkerchiefs, both silk and cambric, play a prominent part.
I propose to give, in due course, a description of the various tricks in which handkerchiefs are specially concerned, such as the Orange Tree, the Handkerchief Cut up and Restored, the Instantaneous Combustion, etc.[20]
Here is, meanwhile, a pretty little trick (as yet unpublished) performed with a handkerchief, and which I used at my séances as a kind of interlude. I can recommend it as producing a very great effect.
The Handkerchief which Vanishes in the Hand.—“The magicians of old,” you remark, “were not subject to any of the minor inconveniences of life. They felt neither cold, hunger, nor thirst, so long as they were engaged in their mystic rites. Their close relations, however, with the fiery potentates of another sphere exposed them pretty frequently to a very high temperature, the effect of which showed itself in copious perspiration.
“The wizards, thus playing with fire, were much troubled by water, which streamed from their countenances; but they removed it by wiping their faces with their handkerchiefs, just as ordinary mortals do.
“One of their number, who, I suppose, found this troublesome, hit upon a curious expedient for shortening the task of drying himself; he caused his handkerchief, after having discharged its duty, to go back of its own accord into his pocket. I have discovered the secret of his cabalistic process, and, if agreeable to yourselves, I will repeat it in your presence.
“Let us suppose that, for the reasons I have suggested, I find it necessary to wipe my brow. I take my handkerchief from my pocket for that purpose. Here it is, you see.”
You wipe your forehead, and gently fan yourself with the handkerchief; then clapping your hands, with the handkerchief between them, it instantly vanishes.
“Do you know, gentlemen, where the handkerchief is? No? Then I will tell you. It has gone back into my pocket.”
You again take the handkerchief out of your pocket, and make it vanish a second time.
“You see, gentlemen, how much time this arrangement saves; you have only to take your handkerchief out of your pocket. You have no occasion whatever to put it back again.”
This amusing little interlude served the double purpose of gaining a few moments in my performance, and of affording a relaxation to the spectators.
The trick is performed as follows:—
1. Attach a handkerchief by its centre to a piece of string.[21]
2. Carry the free end of this string up your right sleeve, pass it behind your back and bring it down the left sleeve.
By pulling the string in the direction of the left wrist, the handkerchief is drawn up the right sleeve, The question is, how to manage this imperceptibly to the spectators.
To that end, fasten the free end of the string to the left wrist The precise length of the string is regulated as follows: The arms being straightened and fully extended, the cord should be drawn tight, and the handkerchief completely hidden in the sleeve.
It will be readily understood that, if you hold the arms slightly bent and close to the body, the string becomes loose, and allows the handkerchief to be drawn down out of the sleeve. By extending the arms with a forward movement, the cord is drawn tight, and the handkerchief flies up the sleeve with lightning rapidity.
When you first come forward, the handkerchief is in its place of concealment; you place your hands behind your back, as though merely to take it out of your pocket, but really in order, with the aid of the left hand, to pull it out of the sleeve.
When you bring the arm forward, the handkerchief is held crumpled together in the right hand, thereby disguising its secret fastening.
After the handkerchief has done its duty, you extend and elongate the arms, at the same time smartly clapping the hands one against the other; and these combined movements not only cause the handkerchief to retire up the sleeve, but completely disguise the modus operandi.
The experiment may be repeated, if desired. You have only to put the hands behind you, ostensibly to take the handkerchief out of the pocket.
This trick, I repeat, is extremely striking in effect. It may, perhaps, appear somewhat difficult, but let not the student be discouraged; with a very moderate degree of practice, it should readily be conquered.
