Miracles of Modern Magic
Harry Whiteley
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An Original Billiard Ball Production
THIS effective little trifle was first introduced by Mr. Max Sterling in 1892, and proved one of the most puzzling sleights in that entertainer's drawing-room menu, and is now for the first time published.
The performer displays both hands, apparently empty (by cross-palming), and places both hands perfectly flat, palm to palm,, facing the audience; the hands are then slowly opened from the wrists, the finger tips still touching while the fingers themselves are stretched as far apart as possible. A gentle turn is now made with both hands until the palms are outward toward spectators, and a billiard ball is discovered resting on the still-touching fingertips.
Like many another good thing the secret is simplicity itself. A two and a quarter inch hollow rubber ball (cost twopence) is all that is required. A small hole is cut in one side after the manner of the handkerchief ball. This enables the ball to be crushed perfectly flat between the closed palms; on opening from the wrists the ball is retained palmed in the right hand until all fingers which must still touch at the tips, are apart. On turning the now open hands upward and outward, the palmed ball is released and runs down the fingers into the cradle naturally formed by the touching tips.
The rubber may be enamelled or waxed and varnished red, and so real in appearance is the result that detection is impossible even at close quarters. The natural elasticity of the rubber causes it to at once resume its spherical shape the moment pressure of palms is released If any difficulty is experienced in the preparation of the ball, they may be procured to order through Ornum's Magical Stores or other dealers.
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