Magic Hieroglyphics

For this seemingly mysterious achievement a confederate is required. He must know that—

A	is shown by	one tap,	because	it is the	first vowel.
E	„	two taps,	„	„	second vowel.
I	„	three taps,	„	„	third vowel.
O	„	four taps,	„	„	fourth vowel.
U	„	five taps,	„	„	fifth vowel.

Consonants are revealed by means of sentences, which the wizard speaks in a natural and unostentatious manner.

The confederate is banished from the room while the party decide upon the word he shall be called upon to guess. Monosyllables are preferable.

When he returns the wizard is armed with a wand, by means of which he proceeds to make imaginary pictures on the carpet.

Supposing the word to be orange. He begins with four taps, and the confederate, who is all attention, knows that the word begins with the fourth vowel, O.

The wizard, flourishing his wand, remarks with extreme innocence:

“Rather fatiguing work, as you perceive.”

The confederate says to himself R.

One tap is the next sound for A.

And some sentence such as—

“No one can imagine the mental strain,” supplies the letter N to his alert companion.

The wizard’s query, voiced in a mocking tone,

“Getting near it?” supplies the letter G.

A few more imaginary pictures, and two taps, which represent letter E, and the confederate with an air of profound relief wipes his brow and declares confidently that the word is orange.

Result.—The company applaud loudly, and is thoroughly mystified.