3. THE MULTIPLICATION OF BILLIARD BALLS
Before explaining the methods of multiplying the balls, which is the finest trick possible with billiard balls, it is necessary to detail several methods of producing the first ball and disposing of the last one.
Production of the First Ball
The simplest possible method is to enter with a ball palmed in the right hand, show both hands empty by means of the change over palm, and then catch the ball in the air—produce it from the back of the knee or elbow, or even from the back of the left hand.
If, however, the trick is to be done in the middle of your program, the ball can be secreted under your vest. In this case the accepted method of production is to face front; show the right hand empty in making a slight turn to the right; then turn to the left and make the same demonstration with the left hand, twiddling the fingers and turning the hand back and forth to show both sides. While all eyes, including your own, are on this hand, quietly drop the right hand to the bottom of the vest and steal the ball, either by simply drawing in the stomach and letting the ball drop into the hand or by pressing the base of the thumb on it through the cloth and so forcing it into the hand. The change over palm can then be made and the ball produced as desired.
A very good method is with the wand. You have the ball hidden behind a crumpled silk handkerchief on your table, the wand lying beside it. Pick up the wand openly, and the ball secretly, in the palm of your right hand, your right side being toward the spectators. Show the left hand empty and place the wand against the tips of the left fingers in the position for holding it suspended as explained in Chapter I. Then bring the hands together to transfer the wand to the same position at the tips of the right fingers; turn to the right and, in doing so, transfer the ball to the palm of the left hand. After showing the suspension effect with the right hand, transfer the wand to the left hand and the ball to the palm of the right hand in again turning to the left. Hold the end of the wand with the left hand, run the right hand along it, and produce the ball from the upper end.
This production of the ball comes as a complete surprise and is very effective. The attention of the spectators is so taken up with the supposed magnetic effect that they have no suspicion that anything can be hidden in the hands.
Secretly Disposing of the Last Ball
An easy method is to pretend to place the ball in the left hand, really palming it in the right, and, while making the motions of pulverizing it with the left fingers and under the pretense of pulling up the left sleeve, place the right hand near the left shoulder and drop the palmed ball into the outside coat pocket.
When full dress is worn, the vanish by the pretended throw with the drop into the profonde can be used. This has been explained above.
The following is a subtle and deceptive method. Palm the ball in the right hand, apparently placing it in the left; then produce it from behind the left knee. Again place the ball in the left hand, in reality this time. Pretend to vanish it—moving the fingers as usual and opening them widely but keeping the back of the hand to the front, of course. At once point to the left knee with the right forefinger; with that hand pretend to take the ball from the back of the knee, showing the hand puffed out. At the same moment drop the ball from the left hand into the left outside coat pocket. Rather rapidly, pretend to put the supposed ball into the left hand and close the left fingers on it. Raise the hand; make the usual pulverizing motions; and finally open the left hand, showing that the ball has vanished. Then show that the right hand also is empty.
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