3. THE FLIGHT OF A RING FROM ONE HAND TO ANOTHER
This is one of the most astonishing tricks for impromptu work, not only with a ring but in the whole range of sleight of hand. It is not really difficult but requires smooth working and close attention to misdirection.
Preparation. Have the little hook (already described) in position on your trousers—a little to the rear of the right trousers pocket, at the height of the right hand when it is dropped naturally to the side. Have also two handkerchiefs of silk, preferably of different colors, and two rubber bands.
Method. Begin by borrowing a ring. In this case the more distinctive the ring the better, and a gentleman’s ring should be obtained if possible. Invite the owner of the ring to come forward and stand at your left side.
Hold the ring at the tips of the left thumb and first and second fingers, letting a small part protrude above the fingertips, and show all parts of the hand with the sleeve pulled back a little. Throw one of the handkerchiefs over the right hand so that its middle covers the ring. Invite the spectator to feel the ring through the fabric, to satisfy everyone that the ring is there; then lower the middle finger and the thumb to carry the ring as far down into the hand as you can, keeping the forefinger stretched upwards. The tip of this finger simulates exactly the shape of the ring, which will appear to the spectators to be still in the same position under the middle of the handkerchief.
Bring the right hand up from behind and take hold of the handkerchief near the base of the left thumb; grip the ring with the thumb and forefinger, so that their tips come together, by pressing the fabric through the ring. At the same time release the ring from the left thumb and middle finger, and grip a small fold of the handkerchief to hold it fast. Lower the right hand, still holding the ring with the tips of the thumb and forefinger; slide the ring to the edge of the handkerchief and let it drop into the right hand. As far as the audience is concerned, you have simply adjusted the handkerchief.
Invite the spectator to pick up one of the rubber bands from the table; close the left forefinger as if to grip the ring in the left fist, pull the sleeve back a little more, and drop the right hand to the side. Instruct the spectator to gather the handkerchief folds round your left wrist and then to pass the band over the fist, so that it encircles the wrist and holds the fabric securely to it. In the meantime you have placed the ring on the little hook, leaving the right hand free to be shown empty as you instruct the spectator how to fasten the handkerchief round the left wrist.
This done, point to the second handkerchief and, as the spectator gets it, steal the ring from the hook, close the hand, and have the spectator throw the second handkerchief over it and fasten it to the wrist in the same way as the other handkerchief. It only remains to invite the spectator to say on which finger of the right hand the ring shall appear and to slip it onto that finger.
Hold your arms at full length on each side, order the ring to pass over, and then have the handkerchief removed from the left hand to prove that it has departed. Finally have the second handkerchief removed; hold your right hand up, back to the front and still closed; then suddenly extend the fingers, displaying the ring in the desired position.
Give this trick the necessary study and you will be more than satisfied with the effect it creates.
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