Privately place a shilling, which you previously mark on the head side
with a cross, under a candlestick, or in any other out-of-the-way
situation, where it is not likely to be discovered. You next borrow a
shilling of one of the company, and say: “Now I am going to show you a
trick with this shilling, but that you may know it again, I will mark
it.” Then take your penknife, and cross it in the same manner as the
one you have concealed; show it to the person who lent it to you, and
ask him if he will know it again. He will reply: “Yes; it is marked
with a cross.” Knock under the table, and say “Presto! fly quickly!” at
the same time, adroitly conveying the shilling into your pocket. You
then tell the spectators that it is gone; but you have a strong notion
that if they look they will find it under the candlestick, (or whatever
other place you may have concealed it in,) where the first shilling
you marked will of course be found, and having the same marks as the
genuine one will be mistaken for it.