the undermost, to which it will adhere. Lay this card (which we will
call a) on the table, about eighteen inches from the dime which is
already there, and cover such dime with the other card, b. Lift both
cards a little way from the table, to show that the dime is under card
a, and that there is (apparently) nothing under card b. As you replace
them, press lightly on the center of card a. You may now make the dime
appear under whichever card you like, remembering that, if if you wish
the dime not to adhere, you must bend the card slightly upward in
taking it from the table; if otherwise, take it up without bending.

THE MAGIC COVER AND VANISHING PENNIES

For the purpose of this trick, you require half a dozen cents, of
which the center portion has been cut out, leaving each a mere rim of
metal. Upon these is placed a complete cent, and the whole are
connected together by a rivet, running through the whole thickness of
the pile. When placed upon the table, with the complete coin upward,
they have all the appearance of a pile of ordinary pennies, the slight
lateral play allowed by the rivet aiding the illusion. A little
leather cap (shaped something like a fez, with a little button on the
top, and of such size as to fit loosely over the pile of cents) with
an ordinary die, such as backgammon is played with, complete the
necessary apparatus.

You begin by drawing attention to your magic cap and die, and in order
to exhibit their mystic powers, you request the loan of half a dozen
cents (the number must, of course, correspond with that of your own
pile). While they are being collected, you take the opportunity to
slip the little cap over your prepared pile, which should be placed
ready to hand behind some small object on the table, so as to be