open, as if empty.

PALMING

In the motion of "palming," the two hands must work in harmony, as in
the genuine act of passing an article from the one hand to the other.
The left hand must therefore rise to meet the right, but should not
begin its journey until the right hand begins its own. Nothing looks
more awkward or unnatural than to see the left hand extended, with
open palm, before the right hand has begun to move toward it.

Pass 2.--This is somewhat easier than Pass 1, and may sometimes be
usefully substituted for it. Take the coin edgeways between the first
and third fingers of the right hand, the sides of those fingers
pressing against the edges of the coin, and the middle finger
steadying it from behind. Carry the right hand toward the left, and at
the same time move the thumb swiftly over the face of the coin till
the top joint passes its outer edge, then bend the thumb, and the coin
will be found to be securely nipped between that joint and the
junction of the thumb with the hand. As in the last case, the left
hand must be closed the moment the right hand touches it; and the
right must thenceforth be held with the thumb bent slightly inward
toward the palm, so that the coin may be shielded from the view of the
spectators. This is an especially quick mode of palming, and if
properly executed the illusion is perfect.

Pass 3.--Hold the left hand palm upward, with the coin in position.
Move the right hand toward the left, and let the fingers simulate the
motion of picking up the coin, and instantly close. At the same moment
slightly close the left hand, so as to contract the palm around the