Having concluded a performance in which a borrowed hat was employed, you
pretend to hesitate about handing it to the owner, and, in fact, whilst
you are mumbling excuses, reveal that, by some bungling, you have made
so large a hole in the crown, that a finger—yours, for instance (suiting
the action to the word), can go through it, to do which you thrust a
hand within the hat.
The forefinger is seen issuing through the top of the hat, where it wags
in an amusing manner. Nevertheless, on instantly giving the hat to the
owner, not the slightest trace of the fracture can be perceived.
[Illustration: Fig. 51.]
_Explanation._—The finger shown is one made of gutta percha, with a
little cup valve at the base, from which the air is exhausted by a
simple pressure, when the adhesion is perfect. To remove it, pick up the
edge of the valve with the thumb-nail. This little diversion causes that
hilarity always befitting a magical entertainment.
[Illustration]