_To change a Card which is in the Hand of a Person, recommending him to
cover it well._
Cut out a three of spades very neatly; then, the card being cut
through, take an ace of diamonds, which you are to place under your
three of spades that was cast out, taking care that your ace of
diamonds is perfectly covered by the spades, which is found in the
middle of the three that is cut out: and then you must pour lightly on
that card some jet powder,[1] which will easily stick on the places
rubbed with pomatum, and by that means will form a three of spades on
the card that was before an ace of diamonds. Take in your hand an ace
of diamonds, behind which you must put a three of spades, turned the
contrary way.
The Person who has in his hand the three of spades that is prepared,
will shew the card to all the company; you will shew in your turn the
ace of diamonds that you have in yours, and then tell that person to
lay his card downwards on the carpet that covers the table; make him
lay his hand on the card, and ask him whether he is very certain that
it is a three of spades he has under his hand. On his affirmative, you
may rally him on it, and tell him, at the same time that you push his
hand which is over the card, that he is mistaken, and that it is an ace
of diamonds he holds. The movement you will cause him to make while
you push his hand, under which the card is, will make the jet powder,
that formed the three of spades over the ace of diamonds, remain on the
carpet, and he will be extremely astonished to find really an ace of
diamonds, whilst you, who make the trick, by turning your hand where
the three of spades and the ace of diamonds are, back to back, will
shew, the three of spades, and make the company believe that you have
conveyed it from the person who held the same without his perceiving it.
This trick must be done dexterously and quickly, in order that the
little deception be not discovered. Practice is the greatest master.