the inner one only. By pulling the bottom downward, therefore, you
draw down with it the inner tube, telescope fashion. By so doing you
bring into view a slit or opening at one side of the inner tube, level
with the bottom, and of such a size as to let a half-dollar pass
through it easily. The lid is also specially prepared. It has an inner
or false top, and between the true and false top a loose bit of tin
is introduced which rattles when the box is shaken, unless you at the
same time press a little point of wire projecting from one of the
holes at the top, and so render it, for the time being silent. The box
is first exhibited with the inner tube pushed up into its place, and
the opening thereby concealed. A marked coin is borrowed, but either
before or after the coin is placed therein, as may best suit his
purpose, the performer secretly draws out the inner tube a quarter of
an inch or so, thus allowing the coin to slip through into his hand.
As he places the box on the table, a very slight pressure suffices to
force the tube up again into its original position, and close the
opening. Having made the necessary disposition of the coin, the
performer takes up the box and shakes it, to show (apparently) that
the coin is still there, pressing on the little point above mentioned
when he desires it to appear that it has departed, and immediately
opening the box to show that it is empty. The pepper-box will not bear
minute inspection, and is in this particular inferior to the rattle
box.

A NEST OF BOXES

This consists of half a dozen circular wooden boxes, one within the
other, the outer box having much the appearance, but being nearly
double the size, of an ordinary tooth-powder box, and the smallest
being just large enough to contain a quarter. The series is so