THE RECOVERABLE CARD.
Procure fifty-three cards exactly the same. Let a person draw from them, as from a regular pack, one card which he may burn or otherwise destroy.
Nevertheless, on his or another’s picking a second card at will out of the pack, it will appear to be the same as that destroyed.
It will possibly be observed: “You had two similar cards!” and a wiseacre will defy you to let the cards be counted, since he will suppose you were not prepared for this objection.
You can count them out, face down, and prove there are, indeed, fifty-two.
If other remarks are made substitute a regular pack of the same appearance.
Variation.—With two duplicate cards. After having shuffled the pack let the bottommost be drawn, examined, and destroyed.
Go to the chimney place and whistle: “Father, come home!” and, on returning to your former place, pull the duplicate card from the selector’s ear.
Modification.—Let a corner of the destroyed card be given to you. For this substitute a corner of the duplicate card. On returning and producing the card it is found to want that very piece by which it is to be identified.