The first to be described are of two different kinds, to be known as
the “Card” and “Coin” Mat respectively. They are in appearance simply
circular table--or plate mats, with an ornamental border as depicted in
Fig. 1, and about seven inches in diameter. In the centre of each is an
embossed shield, ostensibly a mere ornament, but in reality serving, as
will presently be seen, an important practical purpose.
[Illustration: FIG. 1]
To the casual observer the two mats look precisely alike, but there are
in reality important practical differences between them. The “coin” mat
is covered with leather on both sides, and each has the embossed shield,
so that, whichever side is uppermost, no difference is perceptible to the
eye. In the case of the “card” mat the upper surface only is of leather,
the under side being covered with baize. The object of this difference
is that the exposure (accidental or otherwise) of the baize-covered side
of the card mat may induce in the mind of the spectator the assumption
that the under side of the coin mat is covered in the same way, such
assumption naturally precluding the idea that it is reversible.
Each mat has a secret space, after the manner of the old “multiplying”
salver, between its upper and under surfaces. The opening in each case is
opposite the lower end or point of the shield before mentioned, so that,
however the mat may be placed, a glance at the shield will always furnish
a guide to the position, for the time being, of the opening.
[Illustration: FIG. 2]
In the case of the card mat the secret space (see Fig. 2) is just
large enough to accommodate three playing cards, one upon another. The
corresponding space in the coin mat (Fig. 3) is shorter, narrower and
deeper, being designed to receive, one upon the other, a couple of
half-crowns, or coins of similar size.[1]
[Illustration: FIG. 3]
When required for use, the coin mat is prepared, shortly beforehand, by
rubbing the whole of the space within the ornamental border on one of
its faces with diachylon, in the solid form. The diachylon is used cold,
the necessary friction melting it sufficiently, without any additional
heating. This treatment renders the surface of the mat, for the time
being, adhesive, without in any way altering its appearance. To make sure
of its being just right, press a half-crown or penny down firmly upon
it, turn the mat over, and wave it about freely. If the coin adheres
securely, the mat is in working order.
[1] Where coins of English denominations are referred to in the text, the
American wizard will naturally replace them by corresponding coins of the
U. S. currency.