The die nearest the operator is now allowed to fall into the dice-box, whilst the other is retained:—
Fig. 50.
The box is next taken in the right hand, the fingers lying flat over the mouth of it, and the thumb holding it at the bottom.
Fig. 51.
In the act of closing the fingers of the right hand over the box, the die which has been retained is firmly pressed between the second finger and the inside edge of the box. In this position it is completely hidden by the forefinger, and is there held whilst the box is shaken. If the forefinger were raised the die would appear situated in this manner:—
Fig. 52.
The sharp, however, is particularly careful not to raise his forefinger; that is not 'in the piece' at all. The box is now shaken, and of course the die which is not secured is heard to rattle within it. Finally, the hand is turned round so that the mouth of the box is downwards and the backs of the fingers rest upon the table.