Cards in Envelopes

In the previous methods, folded billets have been used, without being sealed in envelopes. The procedure is altered somewhat when envelopes are employed. Small white drug envelopes are used in this method, and the questions are written on small dull finished white cards, the performer supplying very soft black pencils for the purpose. This insures bold, black writing which is easy to read.

Some of the old timers used very simple tactics, especially the fake mediums. Of course, the confederate could be used in the audience to write the prearranged question so as to start off the one ahead system. Where the confederate was dispensed with, the following plan was often used:

Cards and envelopes were passed around, the spectators sealing their questions within the envelopes. These were collected on a plate or tray. A duplicate sealed envelope containing a blank card was held concealed by performer's fingers on the under side of the tray. While returning to the stage, the performer secretly added this blank one to the others, and palmed off one of the genuine envelopes.

Various means were used to secretly read the stolen question. One performer used to manage to tear open the stolen envelope during the trip back to the stage, thereafter thrusting the torn envelope and card (unread) into his pocket. He placed the tray of envelopes on the table and advanced a few remarks to the audience about the work. During this talk, he would casually put his hand in his pocket and extract the card from the envelope, palming the card in the right hand, and leaving the envelope in the pocket. He remained standing while he worked. He picked up an envelope from the tray with right hand, raised it to his forehead, gave the answer, and using both hands, would tear open the envelope, remove the card and read in the usual one ahead manner. The envelope was dropped on the table or floor and the cards switched under cover of the hands, the stolen one being returned to writer, and the one ahead was palmed for the continued routine.

It isn't hard to do, but it does require considerable practice and, in our opinion, hardly warrants the effort, especially in view of the fact that the hands are never empty and cannot be freely used or shown.