THE CUPS—THE BALLS—HOW TO CONCEAL A BALL—HOW TO SLIP A BALL UNDER A CUP UNPERCEIVED—HOW TO VANISH A BALL: PHASE ONE, PHASE TWO, PHASE THREE—THE MANUFACTORY—HOW TO INTRODUCE LARGE OBJECTS BENEATH THE CUPS—BAG FOR HOLDING ARTICLES—HINTS—TALK FOR THE TRICK.
Fig. 23.
The variety of tricks performed with the aid of cups and balls take a prominent position in the repertory of every conjuror laying claim to any proficiency in pure sleight of hand. Three tin cups (or, rather, as they are always used in an inverted position, covers), rather more than 4in. in height, and some 3in. across the mouth, with the bottom concave, and two or three little rings near the mouth ([Fig. 23]) will be required. Also make, to commence with, four cork balls, blackened, either by burning or by colouration, each about the size of an ordinary bullet. The audience know of the existence of three balls only, the fourth being concealed by the conjuror between the roots of the third and middle fingers. The very first thing the learner must acquire is the knack of slipping the ball rapidly from the exposed ([Fig. 24]) to the concealed position ([Fig. 25]) in a secure manner. The ball is partly slid, partly rolled, partly dropped into the position, the thumb, with a slight motion, which, in time, will become quite an unconscious one, pressing it finally home.
Fig. 24.
