COPYRIGHT - 1962 BY

HAROLD R RICE

COPYRIGHT IN CANADA AND IN ALL COUNTRIES SUBSCRIBE

TO THE BERDE CONVEATION

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

NO PART OF THIS BOOK MAY BE REPRODUCED IN ANY FORM WITHOUT

PERMITIO IN WRITING FROM THE

PUBLISHER

THE MANUFACTURING RIGHTS FOR THE DEVICES DESCRIBED OR

ILLUSTRRTED HERE IN ARE RESERVED BV THOSE CREDITED EITH THE EFFECTS

DESCRIBED

PRINTED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICASECOND PRINTING 1974

THIRD PRINTING 1986

C O N T E N T S

Dedication........... III

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN Sympathetic Silks...... 1055

CHAPTER NINETEEN Blendo Effects....... 1161 CHAPTER TWENTY "Naughty" Silks 1217

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE Silks And Eggs..... 1315

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO Soup Plates And Silks 1355

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE Silks and Candles 1385

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR *Openers ....... 1421

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE Jap Hank Box 1507

Sympathetic Silks

Origin 1

Few magical effects can be credited solely to oneindividual. This applies to the origin of the SYMPATHETICSILKS. Magicians Tricks: How They Are Done, written by Hattonand Plate in 1910, introduces the effect under the heading THEMYSTERIOUS KNOTS. But the authors do not claim credit forthe effect. Later, in his Magic Of The hands, Edward Victorstates he included the original effect, SYMPATHETIC SILKS, inhis act at St. Georges Hall in London in 1913, thanks to thecooperation of Victors friend, G. W. Hunter.

Original Effect 2

Originally, three silks, apparently separate, when tossedinto the air, fell tied together. Tossed into the air again, the silkscome down separately. This was the effect as explained byHatfon-Plate.

Since then many variations have been introduced. Butbasically, the effect is the same as presented by Victor.

HARLAN TARBELL

Effect:

Three of six silks shown separately are placed on a chair.The other three are knotted together, then placed on a secondchair. As a sympathetic bond between the two sets of silks, thefirst set ties itself because the performer tied the second st.And the three separate silks are now found tied together.

Required:

Six 24red silks.

To acquaint you with the essence of the effect, I will start withthe method given by Tarbell in his famous course. Here theroutine has been reduced to its simplest form.

* COURTESY LOUIS TANNEN

Preparation: Tie the three silks together (Figure-1) with squareknots, Figures 2-7. Pick up the silks at corners A, B and C,knots to the rear. Add the three remaining silks (D, E andF) as indicated in Figure 8. Lay silks in this order on a table.

Presentation: 1. Pick up the silks in your left hand. 2. To prove the silks to be separate without saying so, take

single silks D and E in your hand, Figure 9, shake them, andthen add them to those in your left hand.

3. Now count the silks, passing them from left to right, one byone. Keep your hands close enough together to avoid exposingthe knots, Figures 10 to 11.

4. When the sixth silk is shown, carry it to the left and shakeit. Then add it to the five in your right hand.

5. Take the knotted three silks (A.B.C), roll them into a looseball, Figure -12, and place them on a chair.

6. Now join tow of the single silks with a FADE-AWAY DOUBLEKNOT, Figures 13-16. The silks appear to be securely tied,Figure 17.

7. Add the remaining single silk with the same type of knot,Figure 18.

8. Starting with the button silk, roll the silks into a ball, Figure12. As each knot is reached, secretly give it a slight pull andit will release.

9. Place these silks on a second chair. 10. Go to the first set, obtain corner X. Figure -1, and pick up

the silks, displaying the chain, Figure -18. 11. Untie the silks and place them back on the seat of the chair. 12. Return to the second set which are not untied. Pick them up,

one at a time, and display them free of knots. Basic Elements of Effect 4 As you have noted by this time, you are confronted with towproblems: 1. a method of showing the silks to be separate although three

are joined. 2. a method of secretly removing the knots from the silks tied

in the spectators presence.

I will treat the more popular methods of accomplishing each.Then I will give you some complete famous presentations.

The Sympathetic Silks Stand* 5

J O E B E R G

The three silks tied prior to performing can be proven to be

separate mechanically or by use of slight-of hand. I will explain themechanical methods first.

If the P and L stand conceived by Joe Berg is used, thethree separate silks are on a side table and the three knotted silkson the T stand. Figure 19.

Three silks are joined with square knots (Figures 2-7)., thenplaced across the rear of the top bar of the stand as in Figure -20.Then the A Corners of the silks are brought to the front, Figure -21.

In the presentation the three separate silks are picked up,joined with knots of your choice (as will be explained later), thenlaid aside. Then the three separate () silks on the stand are shown.To do so, step to the rear of the stand, take corners C-B-C in onehand, life up on the silks, pulling them out of the clips and free ofthe stand, then lay them aside.

Continue with the effect, using the routine of your choice.

Victors Stand

In his book, MAGIC OF THE HANDS, Victor explains aportable stand, Figure -22.

Six silks are tied loosely to the stand with a single knot,Figure -23. Three of these are joined with square knots, Fig. 24,but all appear to be single, Figure- 23.

Call attention to the six single silks, table silks 2, 4, and 6between the thumb and first fingers t X, Figure 24, pull upsharply, and the three (knotted) silks will pull free of the stand.Now proceed with your favorite routine.

*COURTESY PETRIE LEWIS MANUFCTURING CO.

Uniting the Colors 7

E D W A R D B A G S H A W E In No. 76, Chapter 17, I explained the Bagshawe 20th

Century Tray. The knots of 3-knotted silks, Figure -1, can behidden in the tray as illustrated in Figure -450 of Chapter 17. Thusthe silks appear to be separate although knotted. Sympathetic Silk Methods * 8

P E R C Y A B B O T T Percy abbott suggests draping the tied silks over a chair,Figure 25, or over a table, Figure 2, knots on the back or, the towknots can be hidden between the center pages of a boot , Figure27. Webers Method ** 9

H E R M A N L. W E B E R Across the back of a metal tray, fasten a strip of elastic,Figure 28. Tuck the knots between the three silks (Figure 1) underthe elastic, Figure 29. Over these, drape three unprepared silks.Lean the tray against some object. To present, remove the three single silks, knot them, thenlay the silks aside. Display the remaining silks, Figure 29-B. Takethe tray in your left hand, Figure 30, then take the three silks atthe corners X-X-X, Figure 29-A, and life them free of the tray,Figure 30. Stens Method*** 10

C A R L S T E N

* COURTESY ABBOTT MAGIC COMPANY ** COURTESY SILK KING STUDIOS *** COURTESY THE BAT

Here is the answer for the nite-club performer working completelysurrounded. Knot three 24 purple silks, Figure I. Slip six small rubberbands over a cane. Tuck the corner of each of three 24 yellow silksand a corner of each of the knotted purple silks under the rubberbands, Figure 31, and you are set. Place the cane and silks on two newspapers and roll them up toand around the cane, Figure 32. Tie the rolled cylinder with a ribbon,Figure 33. To present, remove the ribbon, unroll the papers, and toss on to your right, the other to your left. Now display six separate (?) silks fastened to the cane, Figure 31. Pull the three purple silks free of the can; lay them aside. Remove the three yellow silks, then lay the cane aside. Proceed , tying knots between the yellow silks, then passing the knots between the purples.

A Chair Display* 11

H A R L A N T A R B E L L Sew very small rings to corners A, B, C, D, E and F of six silks,Figure 36. Drive six small brads part way into the top of a chair, Figure34. Knot three silks, Figure 1, then hang the silks in place, Figure 35. Nowadd the three single silk, Figure 36. To present, take corners C-B-A, and jerk down sharply, Figure37. Lay these silks (knotted) aside, then continue with your favoriteroutine.

False Counts 12

Some performers prefer to pick up all six silks, three of with

were previously knotted together, Figure I, then to prove them to beseparate by counting them from one hand to the other. For example, onemethod was given in No. 3, TARBELLS SYMPATHETIC SILKS. In the false count, usually several silks are secretly exchangedfor others already counted. Thus, the set of six must be made up of allone color, or tow each of three different colors. Here are several of themore popular methods of doing the false count. Hugards Count 13

JEAN HUGARD

Three silks are joined together, Figure I. All six are on a table.

* COURTESY LOUIS TANNEN

To present, pick up a single silk, andplace it in the left hand, Figure 38. Now takethe three knotted silks, and ad them to theleft hand, Figure 39. Close the first, grippingthe corners of the four silks between thethumbremaingoing u silks (hand dthe sil and cFigure

back iFigure(2-3-4of thhand, right fourremainseparafive and first finger. Finally, add theing two single silks, the top cornersnder the thumb, Figure 40. To count, take one of the two single

5) at X, Figure 40, and run the rightown to the button tip of the silk, pull

k away, Figure 40 and count one. Repeat with the second single silk ()

ount two. Hold the silk as shown in 42. Now for the switch: Place the tow silks

n the left hand in their original position, 40, then take the three knotted silks), and carry them away with the countree, Figure 43. Go back to the leftand take a fourth (1) silk between thethumb and first finger, and count

, Figure 44. Repeat, taking theing single silks (5 and 6) one by one,ting the hands each time, and countand six.

The silks are now in the right hand, Figure 45. Take the three single silks, and place them over the right arm. Grasping the three knotted silks at their centers with the left hand, lay them aside.

Now, proceed to knot the single, and continue with your favorite routine. Tarbells Count * 14

H A R L A N T A R B E L L

Place the knotted silks A-B-C under the left thumb and the threesingles as in Figure 46, then bring all of the corners under the thumb,Figure 47.

To count take F in the right hand and count one, Figure 48. TakeE, adding it to F, shake both silks, Figure 48, count two. Approach the left hand to get a third silk. Instead replace E and F intheir original position, Figure 49. Then take A-B-C in your right hand,Figure 50, swing to the right, and count three.

Place the three (knotted) silks on a chair. Then continue, countingthe three single silks four, five and six. Proceed with your favorite routine.

Rices Count * 15

H A R O L D R. R I C E

Because the exchange is automatic, my method should appeal tomany. Hold the silks as in Figure 51. Now, with left palm to the floor,and the right palm facing the performer, take the first single silk (1) asin Figure 52. Note that because the left first and second fingers areslightly spread apart, Figure 53, the tips of the knotted silksautomatically fall between them each time the left hand approaches the

right hand to take a single silk, Figure 52. Carry the first silk to the left, and count one, Figure 54. Repeat

in exactly the same way for the second single silk. Then for the exchange. Approach the right hand to take the third singlesilk. When you reach Figure 52 position, leave the single silk, carry awaythe three knotted silks, Figure 55, and count three. As the position ofthe left hand has never changed up to this point, the switch is automatic.

Lay the three (knotted) silks aside. Now, without changing theposition of the left hand, continue, taking the three single silks, one at atime, into the left hand. Knot the three silks, then proceed with yourfavorite routine.

H A R L A N T A R B E L L

With the left hand holding corner B of one silk across *COURTESY LOUIS TANNEN

Nu-Way Double Knot* 19

Most performers prefer the square knot.It is tied as already explained, Figures 2-7.After the knot X is formed, take the one silkin the right hand at Y and the tip R of thesame silk in the left hand, Figure 7. Pretendingto be tightening the knot, pull the tip R to theleft, upsetting the knot, Figure 5. Note that tipR now merely passes thru the knot X insteadof being a part of it.

The various methods of getting rid of the knot will be treated later in effects using the square knots.

Combinations 16 Some performers combine both the mechanical and sleight-of-

hand methods in introducing the six silks to the audience. Thusconsider combining a 5-11 method with a 12-15 method. Upsetting the knots 17

Thus far we have considered the methods of showing six silksseparate, even though three were tied prior to performance. Now wewill take up the knots tied in the spectators presence. For thesemust be secretly disposed of during the routine. In the Tarbell version (Effect No.3), the knots are easily removed as they are a combination of a twist and a single knot. Let us now consider other knots and their secret releases. The Square Knot 18

and on top of corner A of another, Figure 57. Take A in theright, Figure 58, and bring it over and own around the left firstfinger, Figure 59, then under and up around corner B Figure 60.Bring ends A and B up on either side of the silk encircling leftfinger, Figure 1, then tie a single knot, Figure 62. As the knottightens, remove the left first finger, leaving the small bight of silkin the knot. The right fingers ass is in holding the bight in the knotas the finger is removed. Spectators may pull on A and B without disturbing the knot ifyou hold the silks at X and Y below the knot, Figure 63.

To release the knot, take the silks at X and Y in eitherhand, and pull sharply in opposite directions.

Quick Release Double Knot * 2 0

H A R L A N T A R B E L L

Here is a double knot that can be upset like the square knot in

Figure 56. Loop A over and under B, forming a single knot, Figure 64.

Place your second finger of your left hand on top of the knot, Figure5. Bring A toward you, Figure 66, then tie a single knot, Figure 67.Holding the silks in Figure 68 position, pull B above and below theknot to tighten it. Now B passes thru knot x, Figure 69.

To release the knot, take knot x in the left hand, and theother silk in the right hand at Y now pull end B thru the knot. Slydini Knot 21

This knot, tied slightly different from the QUICK RELEASEKNOT, is credited to Slydini. Tie a double knot as illustrated inFigure 70-73/ At this point reverse the positions of corners A andB. The knot is now as shown in Figure 74. Holding the silks as shownin Figure 75, pull A and X while holding B loosely. This upsetsthe knot, which is then exactly the same as the one shown in Figure69.

To release the knot, take a silk at Y in each hand, and pull inopposite direction, Figure 69. Proudlockss Version 22

E D W A R D P R O U D L O C K Proudlocks version is a favorite with many performers.

Effect: Six silks are shown, then there are placed on a chair. The

remaining three are knotted and place in another chair. * COURTESY LOUIS TANNEN

The first three are now fond to be tied, too.

The knots are united, then the silks are laid aside. Now theSecond set is found to be united!

The second set is tied with a single knot, then paced aside. Nowthe first set is found to be tied with a single know too. The six silks are tossed into the air, and they fall o the floor,free of knots. Again the six silks are tossed into the air. When theyfall the six are found to be joined with a single knot. Once more the silks are tossed into the air. They fall to theperformers hand, then to the floor, completely separate! Required: Six 36 silks (2 each green, yellow, and purple); a small Bulldogclip, a fan, and a quantity of No. 8 small flesh colored rubber bands.Two chairs are also needed, Figure 7. Preparation: Join a green, a yellow, and a purple (Figure 1) with square knots,Figure 2-7. Bring corners A-B-C together, Figure 1, then hold themtogether with the spring clip, Figure 77. Place the silks over the backof the chair to the right as in Figure 78. Place tow rubber bands just below the fingernail of secondfinger of the right hand, Figure 79. Finally, place the fan on the chairto the right, Figure 76. Presentation:

DISPLAYING THE SILKS 1. Pick up the single green silk in your right hand, then transfer it

to the left in the Figure 80 position. 2. Now wrap the corner around the second finger, Figure 81. 3. Take the three knotted silks in the right hand, then place the

silks in the left hand in Fig. 82 position. (To make the drawings clearer, the green silk isnt shown in figures 82 and 83.)

4. Holding the clip in the right fingers weave the corners ofthe three silks thru the left fingers, Figure 83.

5. Secretly remove the clip, palm it, turn slightly to the right,then drop the clip in your right coat pocket.

6. Pick up the single purple silk, displaying it with the righthand. then place it between the left thumb and firstfinger.

7. Repeat with the remaining single yellow silk, Figure 84-.

THE FALSE COUNT 8. Starting with the single yellow silk, take it directly below the

left bond at "X" with Your right, run your hand down the silk to the lower corner, then

raise the silk to the figure 85 position. 9. Release the corner in the left hand, carry the yellow away

with your right, and count one. 10. Approach the left and take the separate purple at X,

Figure 85, carry it away in the right, Figure 86, then counttwo.

11. Now, for the switch. Once again approach the left hand.Place the single yellow and purple between the left thumband the first finger, which already hold the single green. Atthe same time, take the top corners of the three knottedsilks, with the first and second fingers of the right hand,Figure 87.

12. Carry the three knotted silks away, and count three. 13. Knotted silks in Figure 88 position, take a single yellow silk

between the thumb and first finger of the right hand, andcount four.

14. Repeat with the purple, and count five. 15. Now only the green remains in the left hand, Figure 81.

Display it, allowing the corner to untwist from the finger. 16. Add the green to the other silks in your right hand. 17. Take the three separate silks from between the right thumb

and first finger, and lay them over the right arm, Figure 89. 18. Take the three knotted silks in the left hand directly below

the right, move down the silks to their centers X, Figure89, fold the silks in half, releasing the corners in the righthand, then place the folded silks beside the fan on the seatof the chair at the right, Figure 76.

19. Go the left chair, then remove the three silks from the rightarm, and place the silks on the seat of the chair.

KNOTTTING THE SILKS 20. Pick up the yellow and purple silks, then tie a corner of each

with a square knot, Figures 2-7. Display the knot, Figure 90.Then, appearing to be tightening the knot, upset the squareknot, Figure 91.The corner of the yellow silk passes thru thepurple knot, Figure 91.

21.

22.

REL23.

24.

25.

26.

27.

PAS28.

29.

30.

31.

32. 33.

34. The corner of the yellow silk passes thru the purple knot,figure 56. Display the silks, Figure 92, drop the purple from the lefthand, then tie the remaining green to the corner of the yellowskin in the right hand, Fig 2-7. Now upset the second square knot, Figure 91, being certainthat the yellow corner passes thru the green knot, Figure 139.

EASING THE KNOTS Display the silks, Figure 93, then take them in the right hand inFigure 94 position. Grasp the three silks in your left hand about 3 inches belowthe knots, Figure 95. Gripping the yellow silk firmly, lower the right hand behind theleft, pulling the yellow silk free of the upset square knots,Figure 96. Then fold the top portion of the two silks in the left hand overthe right palm, Figure 97. Take the bundle of three silks in your left hand, Fig. 98,positing to the three silks on the chair at the right with yourright hand, then lay the silks on the seat of the chair at theleft.

SING THE KNOTS Go to the chair to the right, take the fan in your left hand, andfan the silks slowly. Take a corner of the purple silk in your right hand, life itslowly, and the three silks are found knotted! Hand the silks to a spectator, requesting him to unite theknots. Spectator busy with the knots, secretly get the rubber band son the second finger of your right hand around the first fingertoo, Figure 99.

Now secretly slip your right thumb under bands, Fig. 100. Take two of the spectators silks in your right hand, then theremaining silk in your left. Bring the hands together, Figure 101, adding the third silk tothe right hand.

Silk to the right hand.

35. Life the center of the silks with the left hand, Figure 102. 36. Allow the rubber bands to slip off of the right, fingers and

thumb onto the three silks, Figure 103. 37. Lower your right hand, fold the silks, Figure 104, then place

them on the seat of the chair to the right. 38. Fan the silks on the chair to the left, pick up the silks, and

show them to be separate again.

PASSING THE SINGLE KNOTS 39. Holding the separate silks as in Figure 10, tie the yellow silk

around the green and purple, Figures 106-109. Tighten thefake knot, Figure 110, then display it, Figure 111, the tips ofgreen and purple silks resting on the floor.

40. Now, holding a corner of the yellow silk, lower the knot tothe stage. As you do, slowly move your hand counter-clockwise. Note that the knot slowly dissolves! At the pointwhere the knot almost disintegrates, drop the yellow silk soit falls on top of the other two silks.

41. Return to the three silks on the chair to the right. Pick putthe silks and display them knotted, Fig. 112.

42.

Actually they were joined with rubber bands earlier, Figure 103.

42. Take the silks in the left hand, Figure 113, transfer the fakeknot to the right hand, secretly slip the bands off of the silksand on the second finger of your right hand.

43. Fold the silks, Figure 114, toss them into the air, and allow themto fall separately to the stage.

44. Pick up the silks one by one by the corner with the right hand,then transfer the three to your left.

45. Once again secretly get the rubber bands around your first andsecond fingers, Figure 99.

46. Go to the three knotted (?) silks on the floor. With your righthand pick up a corner of the yellow silk, turning it counter-clockwise to be certain the knot has dissolved.

47. Add this silk to the set of three silks in your left hand. Repeatwith each of the two remaining silks on the floor.

KNOTTING ALL SIX SILKS

48. As the lost silk is picked up, insert the right thumb under the

rubber bands too. 49. Transfer the six silks from the left hand to the right Figure

101. 50. Holding the silks in Figure 115 position, lower the right hand,

Figure 102, allowing the bands to slip over the silks, Figure 103. 51. Fold the silks, Figure 104, then bow, the presentation supposedly

concluded. 52. Then, suddenly toss the silks into the air and allow them to fall

to the stage. 53. Pick up the silks showing them knotted again, Fig. 11. UNKNOTTING ALL SIX SILKS 54. Take the six silks in Figure 117 position, pull on the silks in

opposite directions (secretly causing the rubber band to fly free of the silks), fold the silks

Figure 114; toss them into the air, catching them as a ball beforethey unfold. 55. Shake the silks, allowing them to fall separately to the floor.

Four silks routine 23

A L B A K E K. Al Baker has long contended an effect should be as simple and as

direct as possible. His Sympathetic Silks routine employs but four silks. Effect:A knot tied between two silks passes to two single silks. Required:Four 24" silks (2 yellow and 2 blue), Preparation:Join a yellow to a blue with a square knot, Figures 2-7. Place these twosilks and two singles on your table. Presentation:

1. Pick up the tied set "A-B" with your right hand, then place it inyour left, Figure 118.

2. Add the two singles, "C-D', Figure 119. THE FALSE COUNT 3. Take the single yellow silk D between your right thumb and

first finger, corry it to the right and count One. 4. During this action change the silks in your left hand to Figure

120 position. To do so, first encircle the blue silk C with thethird and fourth fingers, then pass the second, third, andfourth fingers behind the knotted silks A-B, bringing thesilks to the front. The thumb is free.

5. Now approach the left hand to take the second single blue silkC, Figure 121. As you do, take the knotted set A-B betweenthe first and second fingers of the right hand, and leaveyellow D between the thumb and first finger of your lefthand. Separate the hands, Figure 122, as your turn to theright, and count two. 6. Toss the bottom tips of the knotted silks upward and over theright wrist, Figure 123, releasing the corners A-B, and

wrist at X. 7. Take the single yellow silk D in the right hand, and count

three, Figure 124. 8. Turn to the left, display the blue silk remaining in the left

hand, and count four. 9. Take the single yellow D in the left hand with single blue

C, then toss the two silks over the left wrist, Figure 125. THE FORCE 10. At this point you see the famous spectators choice force.

Ask a spectator to choose a set of silks. Regardless of theset he designates, you intend to use the singles over yourleft wrist. If he selects this set, say than you. I will now joinyour set with a knot. Should he name other set, thank himand say, I will now knot the set which remains.

KNOTTING THE SILKS 11. Place the corner of the blue silk C over a corner of the

yellow, D. Figure 12. 12. Holding the silks in Figure 127 position, bring the yellow

corner under the blue, Figure 128, then up in front of theblue, Figure 129. Figure 130 gives another view of thepositions of the corners.

13. Holding the corners in Figure 129 position, tie a single knot,Figure 131. Note that all of the first part of the knotdissolves as the single knot is tied.

14. Now drape the knotted silks over the back of the left hand,Figure 132.

15. Secretly pull gently on the silks at X-X, and the twocorners will reverse, but remain twisted together. PASSING THE KNOTS

16. Turn the left palm upwards, shaking the silks free. Theyseparate as they fall to the floor.

17. Take a free corner of the two knotted silks on the rightwrist, and shake the knot into view, Figure 17.

Two Silk Rou 24

A t

routine Effect: Two be joineknot. Required Two and a pr Prepara Tie corner knot, Fias in Fiyour tabloose poFigure 1 Presenta5. Call

sepa6. Take

left 7. Take

table137.

thencornavail

8. Passtines*A L B A K E R

wo silk sympathetic silksis also credited to Al Baker.

separate silks are found tod together with a square

: 24 silks (a red and a blue),epared table, Figure 133.

tion: a corner of one silk to aof the other with a squaregures 2-7. The silks are nowgure 134. Place the silks onle, the knot going into thertion of the table drape,

35.

tion: attention to the two

rate (?) silks, Figure 135. corner A, then B, in thehand, Figure 136. the silks just above the in your right hand, FigurePull the silks up thru theright hand, roll them into a ball,

lay them on a table, keepinger E or F (Figure 134)able. an invisible knot to the silks.

Clarks Sympathetic Silks as partof his SILKS SUPREME is amasterpiece and will be explained in alater chapter. However, his method ofdisposing of the upset square knot, Fig.56, is of useful I am including it here. We are at the point in the

important that the two diagonal cornersof thupsesilks silk bfingein that psecreJustcorneleft

Clarks Sympathetic Silks * 25

K E I T H C L A R K

5. Take corner E (or F) and displaythe knotted silks, Fig. 17.

ALTERNATE METHOD If you prefer, the knots can be placed

under a piece of cloth or cardboard tackedto the table, Figure 138. Present theeffect above, Steps 1-5. e center silk pass straight thru thet knots, Figure 139. Holding theas in Figure 140, take the centeretween the right thumb and firstr at x, Figure 141. Place the knote folds of the silk in the left handoint Z, Figure 140. As you do,tly slide the knot off the silk.routine where the square knots justtied in the three silks have beensecretly upset, Figure 56. It is always as the knot is eliminated, pinch thers thru the silk at Z with the

hand so they cannot fall into view.

Repeat with the remaining knot,

taking it at Y, Figure 140. All three silks now in the left

hand (an supposedly still knottedtogether) are placed aside and youcontinue with the effect.

Fursts Sympathetic Silks * 25

A R N O L D F U R S T Some routines use silks all the same color.

Effect:

Six red silks are shown separately. One set of three is laidaside. The remaining set is knotted together, Figure 1. One of the towknots is passed to the first set which is now displayed. Then thesecond knot is passed just as mysteriously. The condition of both setsis shown after each knot is passed. Required: Six 24 red silks; a quantity ofrubber bands.

Preparation:

Join two of the silks with a squareknot, Figure 134. Place arubber band around the first joint of the left first finger, Figure 142.

Presentation:

1. Take the silks in Figure 143 position. 2. Approach the right hand with the left as shown, Fig. 53. 3. Take the first single, Figure 143, between the left thumb

* COURTESY - GENII

4.

and first finger, (No.15 Rices Count), carry it away to the leftand count one.

4. Approach the right again to obtain a second silk, Figure 53.This time take the knotted two (Nos.2 and 3, Figure 143)between the left first and second fingers, leaving the first silk(No. 1, Figure 143) between the right thumb and first finger.

5. Carry the two knotted silks away to the left, and count two. 6. Approach the right again, taking the first silk (No. 1, Figure

143) back again, Figure 144, carries it to the left, and countthree.

7. Roll the three into a ball, then place them on a chair to theright.

8. Count the remaining three, one by one, taking them in the leftfrom the right much like the first three.

9. Join the last three (4,5 and 6) with square knots, Figure 2-7,upsetting the knots, Figure 56.

10. Display the knotted silks, Figure 140. Secretly slip off knotX, Figure 140. (Keith Clark No. 25) then roll the silks into aball, and place them on a chair to the left.

PASSING THE FIRST KNOT 11. Patter about passing the knots, one a t a time from the silks at

the left to the singles (?) at the right. 12. Pretend to take an invisible knot in both hands, then toss it to

the single (?) silks at the right. While doing so, use the righthand to secretly get the rubber band over the left thumb andfirst finger, Figure 145.

13. Pick up the first set from the right chair, and show two silksknotted, one single, Figure 146. The single silk in the left hand isheld as in Figure 147.

14. Now add corner Y (of second silk) to corner X (of first silk)in the left hand and display the knot, Figure 148.

15. Go to the chair to deposit the silks. As you do, secretly slip therubber band off the fingers on to the corner X-Y, Figure 149.

16. Pick up the three silks from the left chair and show one knotmissing, Figure 146.

17. Roll the silks, secretly slipping the last knot Y, Figure 140,(Keith Clark), then place the silks on the left chair again.

PASSING THE SECOND KNOT 18. Again pretend to take an invisible knot from the silks at the left

and toss it to the right. 19. Display the knotted silks taken from the right chair, Figure 150. 20. Now pick up the three separate silks from the left chair, toss

them into the air, allowing them to fall free to the floor.

1. Bellmans Method 2 7

D A N B E L L M A N The effect is just the reverse of Fursts routine.

Effect: The performer explains three separate silks placed on achair are in sympathy with three duplicates he holds. Toillustrate, he ties his three, and the other set becomes tied. Heremoves one knot, and a knot disappears from the other set, heunties his last knot, and the three silks in the other set are singleagain! Required:

Six 24 silks (2 each green, orange, and purple). Preparation:

Join one set (Figure 1), tying the orange between the greenand purple with square knots (Figures 2-7), then upset them,Figures 56 and 139. Place a chair to the left and one to the rightof your table (which is in the center of the stage). Place the threeknotted silks on your table. On top of these place the single purple,then the orange, and finally the green, Figure 151. Presentation:

1. Stand behind your table, left palm up, and about 12 abovecorners A, Figure 152. Using the right hand, place a cornerof the single green silk between the left third and fourthfingers; then a corner of the orange between the secondand third; finally, the single purple, and the set of threeknotted silks between the first and second fingers, Figure

153.

2. Now, place the left thumb between the corner of the singlepurple and the set of three, turn the palm in toward yourbody, Figure 154, and walk to the

3.

front of your table. 3. Take the green silk between the thumb and first finger of the

right hand, Figure 155, carry the silk to the right, and countone.

4. Silk in right hand is now in Figure 156 position. 5. Now toss the silk to the left, and withdraw the first finger,

and silk falls over the second finger, Figure 157. 6. Finally, bring the first finger down on top of the silk and sec

finger, releasing the corner held by the right thumb, Figure158.

7.

8. 9.

TH10.

11.

12.13.

14.

ON 15.

16.

IN 17.Now approach the left hand and take the second (orange) silkbetween the thumb and first finger, Fig 159. Carry the orange silk to the right and count two. Now repeat Figures 156-157-158, getting the orange silk in thesame position as the green, Figure 160.

E SWITCH Approach the left hand to obtain a third silk. Instead, clip thesingle green and orange between the left second and thirdfingers, taking the three knotted silks between the right thumband first finger, Figure 161.

Carry the three knotted silks to the right, Figure 162, can countthree.

Place the three knotted silks on the chair to the right. Count the remaining three silks, one at a time, handling themexactly as you did the singles, Figures 155-158, counting four,five, and six.

Tie the three silks, Figure 1, with square knots, Figures 2-7,then secretly upset the knots, Figures 56 and 139. Be certainthat the fake knots are within of the end of the silks.

E HAND RELEASE

Drape the silks over the left hand with the right, displaying theknots, Figures 163.

Now lay the silks on the chair to the left, secretly slipping theknot joining the green and orange silks. To do so, change leftthumb and fingers to Figure 164 position, close the threefingers as you raise the thumb and first finger, Figure 165. Youhave slipped the knot with one hand!

SYMPATHY To your audience you have three single silks on the chair to theright, three knotted silks on the chair to your left.

2.

18. Now you announce the set at the right has secretly knotteditself in sympathy with the set at the left.

19. Grasping a corner of the purple silk in your right hand, flip thestring of silks into the air, catching the orange (center) silk inyour right hand, displaying the knots.

20. Untie the green silk, then drape the set over the left hand asin Figure 166, displaying the remaining knot.

21

A

22

23

24

25

One

Armyin this Effec Requir Prepa four s PresePick u *COU . Place the silks back on the chair at the right. As you do,secretly slip the knot as in Fig. 164-165.

KNOT IS MISSING

. Now carry on your experiment. A knot has been removedfrom the three silks just displayed and placed on the rightchair.

. Go the left chair, take a corner of the green silk, and gentlypick up the silk to show it to be separate from the knottedorange and purple.

. Untie the orange and purple, and lay the three separate silkson your table.

. Still in sympathy, pick up the silks on the chair at the right.These too are now separate!

Hand Method* 28

P R I N C E W E N D E S

This effect closely guarded by Jack Mendes (of This is the fame) for over 15 years, was given to me for my exclusive use volume.

t: A knot passes from tow silks to two others.

ed: Four 18 silks (2 red and 2 green).

ration: Tie a loose loop knot in a red silk, Figure 167-A. Place theilks side by side on your table.

ntation: p on unprepared red silk in one hand, an

RTESY SILK KING STUDIOS

Note: A similar version has been marketed by W. C. Stubbledfield.Prior to presentation, a toothpick was secretly placed in the folds ofthe top corner of the green silk, Fig. 167-B, to stiffen the corner,making it easier to pass the green corner thru the red knot, Fig. 170

unprepared green in the other, holding them on in Figure 168. 2. Tie the silks with a square knot, Figures 2-7, then upset the

knot, Figure 56. 3. Get rid of the knot as you lay the two silks aside, using one of

the several methods explained earlier in this chapter. 4. Now take the remaining green silk in the right hand in Figure 168

position, and the prepared red as in Figure 169. 5. Place the green silk in the left hand, secretly threading the

green tip up thru the red loop, Figure 170. 6. Encircle the two silks with your right hand, and casually pull

down on the red silk to tighten the knot, Figure 171. 7. Toss the silks into the air and catch them as they fall, knotted

together. 8. Pick up the first tow silks and show the knot has vanished.

.

Colemans Routine * 29

W A L T E R C O L E M A N Effect: Knots joining three silks pass to a second set of three singlesilks. Required: Six 24 silks (two each of red, white and blue) Preparation: Tie a white silk between a red and a blue with square knots,Figures 2-7, then upset the knots, Figures 56 and 139. Place theknotted set, Figure 1, on the table. Near these places theunprepared set. Presentation: THE COUNT 1. Place the knotted silks in the let hand as in Figure 172, then

add the three single silks, Figure 173, corners spaced for easyaccess.

2. Take the first single silk directly below the let thumb with twofingers and the thumb of the right hand, Figure 74.

3. Palm to audience, carry the silk to the right and display it asyou count one, Figures 175 and 176.

4. Repeat, adding a second silk to the first, Fig. 174. 5. Carry the silk to the right, Figure 174, and count two. 6. Approach the left hand again to take a third silk. As you do,

pass the right second finger between he set of knotted silksand left palm, Figure 177.

7. Leave the two single silks deep in the crotch of the left thumb,then carry the three knotted silks to the right, Figure 178,counting three.

* COURTESY SILK KING STUDIOS

8. As you do, place the thumb on the silks at X, figure 178, andbring the first finger behind the corners of the silks, Figure179. Thus the three silks end up in the same position as thesingles, Figure 176.

9. Lay the three (knotted) silks aside.

10. Now count the remaining three silks, one at a time, four, fiveand six, taking each as in Figures 174-176.

TIEING THE KNOTS 11. Tie the single red and white silks together with the QUICK

RELEASE KNOT, Figure 64-68, the white silk passing thru thered knot, Figure 69.

12. Repeat tieing the blue to the white, Figure 1, the silks now inFigure 139 position.

THE RELEASE13. Display the silks as in Figure 180. 14. Then take them in Figure 181 position. 15. Now drop the center silk, Figure 182. 16. Palm up, place the left hand behind the silks a few inches below

the right hand, Figure 183, then bring the silks up to mask theright hand, Fig. 184.

17. Gripping the silks firmly with the left thumb and first twofingers, Figure 184, pull down on the knots between the rightthumb and first and second fingers, Figure 181.

18. The knots are released, Figure 185. 19. Lay the set aside. CONCLUSION 20. Conclude as usual, passing the knots from one set of silk to the other.

Rices E-Z METHOD * 30

HAROLD R. RICE Effect: Knots pass from three silks to three others. Required: Six 24 silks (2 each, red, yellow and blue) Preparation: Tie a yellow silk between a red and a blue with square knots(Figure2 2-7), then upset them, Figures 56 and 139. Presentation: 1. After counting the silks (No. 15 Rices Count), lay the

previously knotted set aside.

2. Tie a yellow silk between the red and the blue, using the No.19 NU-WAY KNOT, Figures 57-69. When completed, the silksare as in Figure 186.

3. Taking a knot between the crotch of the first and secondfingers, palms to the audience, display the silks, Figure 187.Note the position of the tips of the yellow silk.

4. Place the thumbs firmly on the yellow tips, Figure 188, thenmove the arms sharply to the left and right. The tension onthe center silk pulls the knots apart.

5. Turn the palms in as you bring the knots together, Figure 189,and lay the three (now untied) silks aside.

6. Complete the routine as explained earlier in the chapter.

Th

between three single silks. Required: Six 24 Silks (2 each, purple,orange, and green). Preparation: The assistants right coat sleeve isprepared as shown in Fig. 190. Tie anorange silk between a purple and agreen with square knots. Figures 2-7,then upset them, Figure 56 & 139.Place the set over the assistants rightarm, knots hidden in the slit, Figure191. Drape the remaining silks over hisleft arm, Figure 192. Note: If you work without an assistant, prepare your own coat and present this as an opening effect.

Presentation: 1. Assistant enters with arms in front of body, displaying the

back of the silks, (Figure 191). 2. Remove the single silks by taking corner a, then B and C,

lifting the silks as one off the assistant arm. the3. Knot the three silks as explained in your favorite of * Ce Phantom Knots * 31

J O E B E R G Effect: Knots tied between three silks passmethods explained earlier, then lay the silks aside. 4. Take corners A-B-C of the knotted set and lift them as one,

pulling knots free of slit, lay this set aside. 5. Complete the routine as explained earlier. OURTESY BERGS STUDIO OF MAGIC

Sympathetic silk effect 32

B O B H A N K O Effect: Knots pass from three silks to threeothers. Required:Six 18"silks, all the same color. Preparation:Prepare three silks with upset square knots,Figures 56 and 139. Presentation:Open as usual, continuing to the point where thesecond set of three silks is to be knotted.Hanko's method differs.

1. Join the three silks with FADEAWAYDOUBLE KNOTS, Figure 13 -16.

2. Take corner "A" of an end silk in yourleft hand, Figure 193, then corner'B ofthe center silk in your right, Figure194.

with the left hand just below the knots, Fig. 196. ctions with both hands and

oose corners, Fig. 197. the effect as explained in

33

A T O 4. Now pull sharply in opposite direthe knots will become free.

5. Quickly drop "B" which will hide l6. Lay the silks aside and conclude

an earlier method. Lopilatos Sympathetic Silks*

T O N Y L O P I L

If you use assistants, this stageversion is very colorful. Effect: Two sets of 3 silks are displayed.Knots are then tied in one set. Thesecond set mysteriously tied itself in3. Drop corner 'A", Figure 195, and grasp the silks firmly sympathy with the first knotted set.Then when one set is untied, the secondunties itself, again in sympathy withthe other. Required: Six 24 silks each a differentsolid color. Two 3/8 thick plywoodboards, one slotted as in Fig. 198. Preparation: Tie three of the silks together with upset square knots,Figures 56 and 139. Then insert the knots, Figure 199, in the secretslot, Figure 200. Place the remaining three single silks over the second(unprepared) panel, Figure 201. *COURTESY LOUIS TANNEN

Presentation: 1. Assistant, holding the panel, enter on either side of the

stage. 2. After the assistants show the panels back and front, step to

the prepared set and pick up corner A of one silk Figure202.

3. Take corner A of the center silk in the right hand and addit to the corner held in the left hand.

4. Repeat with corner a of the third silk. 5. Holding the silks in Figure 203 position, stroke down with the

right hand as the left lifts the silks up, pulling the knotsfrom inside the panel.

6. Drape the silks over the panel, saying three silks. 7. Repeat with the second set of three silks. 8. Now take two of the single silks and tie them together with

one of the false knots explained earlier. Then add the thirdsilk, Figure 199.

9. Secretly remove the knots (as explained earlier), and drapethe three silks over their panel.

10. Review, stating three separate silks are on one panel andthree just joined on the other.

11. Now, the untied (?) set, in sympathy with the second,become knotted.

12. Taking corner C, Figure 199, display the silks, Figure 18.

13. *COURTESY LOUIS TANNEN

Note: If assistants arent useduprights, Figure 204. Snappy Knotting Silks *

T O N Y

13. Untie the three silks, thover their panel, Figure 20

14. Explain that the silks sympathy and that tknotted set has now untied

15. Whip the untied silks, onetheir panel, showing separated.

16. Drape the three silks ovFigure 201, and dismiss thyou bow to the audience. , panels can be attached to swivel

en drape them1. are again inhe previously itself. by one, from

them to be

er their panel,e assistants as

Effect: Two silks placed separatelyon a table join themselves with aknot, Figure 17. Required: Two 18 silks; tow smallmagnetic bard. Preparation: Tie a knot with a magnetinside of it in one corner of eachsilk, Figure 205. Presentation:

1. Display one silk, fold itdiagonally, Figure 206,then lay it on the table,knot up.

34

L O P I L A T O

2. Display the second silk, fold it diagonally, Figure 206 thenplace it on top of the first silk, the knots touching each other,Figure 207.

3. Taking a corner diagonally opposite a knot, pick up the joinedsilks, Figure 17, and display them the knots held together bythe magnets, Figure 208. Sympathetic Knots * 35 L O U I S T A N N E N

This novel variation wasgraciously given to me by Louis forexclusive use in this volume. Effect: A knot tied in three silks visiblydissolved and reappears in a secondset of three silks. Required: Six 24 silks, each a differentsolid color, 2 small rubber bands. Preparation: Place the bands over twofingers of the right hand, Fig. 99.

*COURTESY LOUIS TANNEN

Presentation: 1. Pick up three silks one by one with

the left hand, and place them overthe right arm, Figure 89.

2. While reaching for a fourth silk withthe left hand, insert the rightthumb under the rubber bands,Figure 100.

3. Place the second three silks in theright hand one by one, Fig. 101.

4. Lift the center of the silks with theleft hand, Figure 102.

5. Allow the bands to slip on to thethree silks, Figure 103.

6. Lower the right hand, fold the silks,Figure 104, then place them on thetable.

7. Remove the three silks from theleft arm, take the tips in eitherhand, then twirl the silks tightlyaround each other, rope fashion,Figure 209. (Also, see Figures 4-6,Page 853, Chapter 15, Volume 2.)

8. Take corners A in your left hand,Figure 210.

9. Place corners B under your leftthumb, Figure 211.

10. Reach thru the large loop with theright hand and take corners A,Figure 211, as the second finger ofthe left hand closes over ends B atX, Figure 212.

11. Pull ends A thru the loop, Figure211.

12. At the same time turn the leftsecond finger to the left,

Grants Sympathetic Silks*

U. F Effect No. 47 in ChaptCentury. By adding three moreSympathetic Silks after prese Join the three extra sdisplaying the three 20th Centthe knots and add the silks to up the six silks, do a false counSilk routines given in this chap *COURTESY GRANTS STUD

forming a small loop around it, Figure213. (See Dissolvo, Pages 562-564,Chapter II, Volume 02)

13. Continue to pull ends A to the rightuntil the large loop reduces to aslipknot. Figure 214, withdrawing theleft second finger as the knottightens.

14. Display the knot, Figure 215. 15. Now to pass the knot to the set of

supposedly separate silks on the table.Merely pull ends A and B inopposite direction, and blow on theknot as it dissolves.

16. Pick up the three silks from the table 36

. G R A N T

er 17 of Volume 2 explains Grants 20th

silks of the same color, Grant goes intonting his 20th Century. ilks with square knots, Figure 1. Afterury Silks, Figure 273, Chapter 17, untiethe knotted silks on the table. Now pick

and display their knot, Figure 112. t, then present one of the Sympatheticter.

IO OF MAGIC

H

d V

A

2sletkelpful Hints 37

A few excellent suggestions that may be incorporated toress up your favorite Sympathetic Silks routine follow.

ariegated flourish * 38

In his routine KeithClark uses patterned ratherthan solid colored silks. Theroutine used will dictate thetype used, but when possible adiagonal pattern, Figure 216, isrecommended.

Graceful Flourish * 39

E R I C C. L E W I S

After knotting two silks together, display them as in Figure17, then toss them into the air slightly to one side, Figure 218. Theilks will follow an arc above your head, Figure 219. Then turn to theft as the silks fall in reverse order, Figure 220, catching the tip as

hey fall, Figure 221. Now tie the third silk to the two previouslynotted and continue with your routine.

*COURTESY SILK KING STUDIOS

Sympathetic Rose * 40

F O O L I N G Y U If you use a lady assistant, this if for you! Effect: Assistant enters, holding a beautiful (silk) rose, Figure 222.The stem and stamen of the flower drop to the floor and there aresix silks, Figure 223, in correct position for the assistant topresent her favorite Sympathetic Silk routine! Required: Six 24 orange or cerise silks, a round costume jewelry pin(stamen), and a covered dowel stick with artificial leaves attached(stem), Figure 228. Preparation: After knotting three silks, take the six in the left hand,Figure 223. Take the centers of silks 1 and 2 and place thembetween the 2nd and 3rd fingers of the left hand. Now bring thebottom tips up and place them between the same fingers, allowing3 of the tips to protrude upwards, Figure 224. Place the center ofthe remaining single silk between the same fingers. Next bring itsbottom tip up and place it between the same fingers, 3 of the tipprotruding downward, Figure 225. Now, take the lower portion of the three tied silks upbehind the left hand, then take the silks between the left secondand third fingers just below the knots. Finally, place the tips ofthese three silks between the same fingers, allowing about 3 oftips to protrude. Tuck the tips in under the folds of the silks, adjusting theloops to resemble rose petals, Fig 226. Add the stamen, Figure227, then the stem, Figure 228. *COURTESY CONJURORS MAGAZINE

Presentation: 1. Display the rose, Figure 222. 2. Separate the hands, allowing the stem and stamen to fall to

the floor. 3. At the same time, release the corners held by the 2nd and 3rd

fingers of the left hand. 4. As the silks fall into position, Figure 223, turn the left hand

into the body to hide the knots. 5. Present your favorite Sympathetic Silks routine.

Bobos Timely Tips * 41

J. B. B O B O In the hands of a master performer, an ordinary routinebecomes a superior production. To realize perfection the cleverperformer refines the smallest detail. Such is the case with BobosSympathetic Silks routine. Starting with the standard routine, hehas added refinements that make his presentation a masterpiece.He has graciously given me (for exclusive use here) tips that everyperformer should appreciate! (1) HIDING THE KNOTS To prevent the knots from showing during the count, tuck theknots within the folds of the silks, Fig 229, bring A in front of theknots, Figure 230, then B around the three silks, Figure 231. (2) TABLE ARRANGEMENT If the two sets of silks are placed on your table as in Figure232, it is easier to pick them up quickly in their correct order. (3) PICKING UP THE SILKS

Bobo holds his silks in his left hand rather than his right.Step behind the table, take corners Z (Figure -232) in the righthand and place them in the left hand, Figure 233. Now place theupper (loose) set in place, Figure 233. Then lift all six silks up, andcarry them forward and away from the table.

(4) THE COUNT

As you patter, push the tip of the inner single silk deep in thecrotch of the thumb, Figure 233. The switch during the falsecount can then be done without

*COURTESY SILK KING STUDIOS

Bobos Pattern * 41 J. B. BOBO Working in a light vein, Bobos choice patter, and comedy bitsinjected by his lovely wife who assists always make a hit with hislyceum audiences.

*COURTESY SILK KING STUDIOS

hesitation or fumbling. Also, carry the count thru six instead of placing the first set aside at the count of three as recommended in other routines. Separate the sets after the count of six, then lay the knotted set aside. This leaves the three single silks in your hands, ready to tie at he knots.

INTRODUCTION For this mystery! use six, silk, scarves, Six silk. No, silk,silk (tug on your collar and repeat slowly) six, silk, scarves.That is difficult to say, especially fast. During my lastperformance I got my tongue twisted around my eye-tooth and Icouldnt see what I was saying. Anyway, I really have six, silk,scarves. I dont want you to think I would try to fool you. Youdont, do you? I will count them just to be sure. On-two-three-four-five-six. TIEING THE KNOTS Six silks, I now place three on this table, and the otherthree go on that table. But first I shall tie this (second) settogether. And I have found the best way to tie anything is byusing. (Pause) a knot! (Tie two together). I dont have to do thisfor a living I could starve to death. I make good money doingthis though not much, but good. RELEASING THE KNOTS While getting the knots in position for the secret release,say I shall place the first knot here. Now I place the secondbeside the first. Just to keep it company. (Secretly releasethe knots and lay the set aside.) PASSING THE KNOTS Pointing to the first set, Here we have three separatescarves. While over here (pointing) are the three I just tiedtogether. I shall now cause the knots to leave this set and flythru the air to that set. (Pick up an invisible) knot and toss it tothe first set. At the same time have an off stage assistant blowa toy slide whistle which operates like a slide trombone.) My! Imust have thrown it too hard!

Picking up the second invisible knot, say This is the second knot. Isnt it cute? (Throw it just as the

first, but follow it to a spot on the floor.) Oh, I missed. (Searchfor the knot on the floor. Then the assistant blows the whistleagain.) Oh, here it is. (Walk over, pick up the invisible knot, and,now but tow feet away from the silks, toss the knot as thewhistle blows again, but this time in a different tone.) Thisbusiness is quite funny. Walk to the first set and say These scarves should be tied.And that set (pointing) should now be, untied, Ill check. (Pick upone loose silk.). Spirits! (Pick up a second silk.) Spirits ofAmmonia! (Pick up the third, then toss all three silks to theassistant who just enters.)

*C Walk to the second table, take the proper corner, and slowlypull the knotted silks from the table. Then, as a final flourish,toss them into the air into the hands of the assistant. Bobos Repeat * 43

J. B. B O B O

As a repeat, Bobo goes into theAlbenice Serpent Silk effect, saying,For the benefit of those who did notunderstand, I will do it again. How manydid not understand? (OH!) The rest ofyou understand, of course! Instead ofusing three scarves, this time I will useonly one. Bobo uses a Pand L wrist reel (seeFigure 1, Page 853, Volume 2.) andpoints out that to get the full force of

the reel, it should be held as in Figure234 instead of as in Figure 235. Figure 236 shows silks at thebeginning of the effect.

OURTESY SILK KING STUDIOS

Presentation: Pick up the folded serpent silk, Figure 237; allow silk to unfoldand fall, Figure 238; twist the silk rope fashion; form the loop; Figure239; then tie a loose knot with the silk in a horizontal position, Figure240. (Full details will be found in No. 3, Volume 2.)

Bobo injects comedy as follows: 1. Holding the silk in the right hand, and pointing to the knot with

the left, look at the audience as you allow the knot to untie. 2. Turn your attention to the silk to find the knot has

disappeared. 3. Shrug your shoulders, and again tie the knot. 4. This time watch the silk. Nothing happens. 5. Make mysterious passes over knot, but to no avail. 6. Look helplessly back at audience. 7. Allow the silk to untie, and then turn back just in time to see

the end of the silk pass thru the knot. 8. Jump back in surprise, then bow to a nice hand from the

audience! The Mohammedan* 44

D R. C H A N G For comedy Sympathetic Silks, Sherman Ripley (Dr. Chang )suggest using two boys from the audience. Referring to the silks asbeautiful oriental prayer rugs, and the male assistants as beautifulMohammedan girls, create comedy situations to your individual taste. Each boy wears a veil and a hat, Fig. 241. The hats are paperturbans or fezzes obtainable at 5 and 10 cent stores; the veils, 12silks with rubber elastic attached, Fig 242. *COURTESY - GENII

Visible Sympathetic Silks * 45

F R A N C I S B. M A R T I N E AU Three separate silks displayed on a cane (Fig 243) are shownand laid aside. Then the cane changes into a string of three silksknotted together. The knots vanish and reappear between the firstthree silks. Required: Walsh, Vanishing cane; set (6) of 18 sympathetic silks; 2- diameter pierced lead fish sinkers; strong black nylon thread. Threesilks, Figure 244, are in the cane. Preparation: Prepare the three remaining silks as in Figure 245. The colorsare in the same order as those of the set in the can. Sew the leadweights to the two silks at a point about 1 from a corner, Figure245. Tie a length of thread at point A, Figure 245, pass it thru thehole in the weight, Figure 246, then tie it to the second silk at pointB. Continue the thread diagonally across the second silk, thru thesecond sinker, then tie it to the third silk at point C, attach a smallring X to the top of the set, Fig. 245. Point the sinkers to matchthe colors of the silks to which they are sewn. The thread should bejust long enough to allow the silks to join into a seemingly knottedstring when held at corner X, Figure 245. Slide the sinkers up the thread until the silks are in Figure247 position, then drape the silks over the cane as in Figure 243. Presentation:

1. Display the three separate silks, Figure 243. 2. Either pick them up one by one and display them, Figure 247,

or tilt the cane to allow them to slide off onto a chair, Figure243.

*COURTESY - SILK KING STUDIOS

3. Vanish the cane, Page 376, Volume 1, then display the threeknotted silks, Figure 244.

4. Display the genuine knots, then upset them, Fig. 56. 5. Take the silks in Figure 180 position, then secretly dispose of

the knots, Figure 181-185. 6. Blow on the knots, passing them invisibly to the first set. 7. Display the separate silks to show knots have vanished, then

lay them aside. 8. Taking the ring corner in the right hand, flip the second set

into the air. The sinkers slide down the thread, and the silksappear to be tied together, Figure 245.

Note: If a cane isnt used, the prepared silks, Figure 243, can beplaced over a chair or a T stands. The second (knotted) set can beproduced by any convenient method, a number of which aresuggested in Volume 1.

Martineaus Repeat * 46

F R A N C I S B. M A R T I N E A U If your routine requires the disposal of the gimmicked set ofsilks, place a third set of three silks in a Changing Bag, Page 334,Volume 1. After displaying the separate silks (Step 7, No. 45),secretly knot them with a rubber band, Figures 99-103, beforelaying them aside. After displaying the knotted set (Step 8, No. 45), drop thesilks in opposite directions, and the knot vanishes. You now have 6separate silks which can be examined and used in the next part ofyour routine. Silk Sympathy 47

E D W A R D B A G S H A W E Effect: A dozen silks of different solid colors are dropped one at atime into a borrowed hat. Two knots are then tied in a variegatedsilk. Next a spectator selects one of several cards which havecombinations of three different colors printed on them, Figure 248.The knots in the variegated silks vanish, and reappear between thethree selected silks now produced from the hat, Figure 249. Required: A dozen solid colored 12 silks, each of a different color; a24 variegated silk; a quantity of 3 x 5 cards; two lead weights;black nylon thread; small button. *COURTESY SILK KING STUDIOS

Preparation: Prepare three silks to be knotted as in Figure 250. Printassorted color combinations of three silks on each card, no two alike,Figure 248. Push the silks up on the thread so they are apart, Figure251. Place the separated prepared silks beside the others on the table. Presentation:

1. Pick up all twelve small silks in the left hand. Take two or threeinto the right, one at a time, then drop them into a borrowed hat.Repeat until you arrive at the prepared three.

2. As these silks can be shown separate (Figure 251), transfer themsingularly to the right hand, then drop them into the hat.

3. Continue as above with the remaining silks. 4. Near one end of 24 variegated silk, tie a false knot, Fig. 209-215. 5. Near the other end tie a second false knot. 6. Force the card reading RED-YELLOW-GREEN, using Changing Bag. 7. Cause the fake knots to vanish, Figure 215. 8. Taking the green silk at button X, produce the knotted string of

three silks, Figure 249. 9. Show the remaining silks in the hat to be separate.

As U Like It * 48

S T U A R T J U D A H

This silks the first of two effects using a principle explained in Frederick Montagues Westminister Wizardy.

Effect: Three solid colored silks tied in a chainin advance by the performer are in theexact order of those freely arranged andtied by any spectator, Figure 252.

Required: Six solid color 18 silks (two red, twoyellow, two blue), and rubber bands.

Preparation: 1. Join one set of three silks into a circle

by tying diagonal corners with squareknots, Fig. 253,254 & 257.

2. Upset each knot, Figure 255, so that atip of a different color passes thrueach knot, Figure 256.

3. Now place the knots side-by-side, red,

yellow, and blue tips carefully placedat the tops of the knots, Figure 258.

4. Next, fold the silks at their middlesalong M-M, Figure 258, and bring thesilk-up behind the knots, Figure 259.

5. Finally, place a fairly large rubber band

around the bundle just below theknots, Figure 260.

6. Without knotting the remaining

*COURTESY SILK KING STUDIOS

three silks, form them into a similar bundle, and place a rubberband around them, Figure 261.

Presentation:1. Explain, that because of unusual mental powers, you already

know that a yet to be selected spectator will do! 2. Show your already knotted bundle (No.1), then given bundle

No. 2 to any spectator. 3. Ask the spectator to knot the three silks in a chain in any

order he wishes, pointing out that there are nine differentpossibilities!

4. After he does, ask him to hold his chain in the Figure 252position.

5. As he does, not the color of his top and bottom silks. (let ussay the top one is red, the bottom blue).

6. Pick up your bundle, and remove the rubber band. As you do,place your left thumb on the blue knot,

*COUR

Effect coloredperformexaminsame cspectatvanish Require each, advanc

the rubber band at X Figurewn from the silks, you will pullre knot.

your hand and drop the knotted

y and held by the spectator!

not, Figure 260 (X-Y-Z) will bectators to and bottom silks. For, and red, you would pinch the

Figure 260, and pull the yellow58), then take the free yellow

Silks : A spectator tied three solid silks in a chain while theed ties a duplicate set. Upon

ation both sets are in theolor order! Then after theor unties his, the knots

from the performers set.

d: Six solid color 18 silks (2red, yellow, and blue). Noe preparation is required.

Do As You Do* 49

O S C A R W E I G L E, J R. and pinch the red silk under260. As you pull the band dothe red corner the upset squa

7. Now take the red corner in chain into view, Figure 252.

8. Your set matches those tied b Note! The corner pulled out of a kdetermined by the colors of the speexample, if his chain is yellow, blueyellow silk under the band at Y, corner thru the red knot (Figure 2corner, and drop the silks into view. TESY HOLDENS MAGIC SHOP

Presentation: 1. Tell a spectator to tie his set of three into any order he

chooses while you turn your back and tie yours. But explainthat because of an unexplainable power, you will force him totie his in any order you decide to tie yours!

2. Turn your back, then tie your three silks into a circle Figures253-257.

3. Place the knots in the right hand, Figure 262, then face theaudience.

4. Observe the colors of the silks at the send s of thespectators chain.

5. Reach into the right palm to apparently get a free corner.Instead, release the knot as explained in Effect No. 48,grasp the correct colored corner, then let the silks fall intoview, Figure 252.

Untying Sympathy * 50

J A M E S D O U G L A S Effect: As a spectator unties a knot in his silk, the knots in othersilks vanish in sympathy. Required: Three 18 silks (red, green, and blue); an opera hat. Preparation: Nothing is prepared in advance. Presentation:

1. Strings open the empty hat and place it on the table. 2. Display the silks, the lay two aside. *COURTESY - PENTAGRAM

Note:color.turn tcolor

3. Taking the blue silk, twist it rope

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9. 10

11.

12fashion, then tie a false knot in itscenter, Figures 210- 215 (Also seeFigures 128-131, Page 730, Volume2). Display the knotted silk, Figure263. Cover the knot with the right handas though tightening it, Figure 264,actually pulling down on the knot torelease it. Drop corner A, Figure 265, thenplace the knot (?) in the hat, Figure266. Taking the red silk, repeat steps 3-6, but tie a genuine knot, whichremains in the center of the silk. Now take the green silk, tie a fakeknot, then place the silk in the hat,steps 3-6. The silk are as in Figure 276.

. Ask a spectator to select a color.Usually red is chosen. If it is, holdthe hat high and have spectatorremove the knotted silk.

Ask spectator to slowly untied theknot.

. Then, withdraw remaining silksfrom the hat, showing the knotshave vanished. If red is not chosen, ask a second spectator to chose a Then tell a third spectator his is the remaining silk. Casuallyo the spectator who chose red and Sympathetic Silks whatwas your silk? He says, red, Now, continue, steps 10-12.

My Silken Princess * 51

H A R O L D R. R I C E

Effect: Aided by the magic touch of a beautiful silken princes, afreely selected color card becomes the same color as a second freelyselected card!

Required: A prepared desk of giant cards; 4-18 (orange, blue, red, and green); an easelto hold five cards.

Secret:

Twelve cards have double backs (backdesign printed on both sides), Figure 268.Forty cards have duplicate color frontsand backs and white corners, Figure 269.Ten are orange, ten blue, ten red, and tengreen. Preparation: Mix the 40 color cards thoroughly.Place the double backs to the rear of thepack, Figure 270.

Presentation:

1. Pick up the deck, showing the backwithout calling attention to same.

2. Turn front of deck to audience. 3. Fan the front portion of the deck,

displaying about a dozen colorcards, Figure 271.

*COURTESY SILK KING STUDIOS

4. Remove one each, orange, blue, red and green. 5. Place deck on table. 6. Fan the four color cards, being careful not to expose their

backs. 7. Place the cards side by side on the easel, Fig. 272. 8. Display the four silks, then drape them over their

corresponding color cards, Figure 273. 9. Pick up the deck, then remove about 15 cards from the back

(3 color cards and 12 double back cards). Do not fan them! 10. Turn the back of the cards to the audience, asking some

spectator to stop you at a card of his choice. 11. Slowly pass the cards one at a time from one hand to the

other until stopped. (Should you reach the last (10th) doublebacked card, stop and start all over again, assuming thespectator didnt understand.)

12. When card (double back) is selected, place it on the easel,Figure 274, pointing out that the audience does not knot itscolor.

13. Now have three spectators freely select three of the fourcolors, removing the corresponding silks and cards from theeasel!

14. One card with the silk and the double back card remain,Figure 275. Let us say the card and silk are green.

15. Now, remove the (green) silk, then drape it over the doubleback card, Figure 276, calling upon the beautiful silkenprincess to cause the card to become the same color (green).Note! Stress the freely selected card could be any one offour colors, and that the remaining green was by free choice!

16. Finally, place the (double back) card and silk in front of thegreen card, Figure 277. State both cards, in sympathy withthe silk, are not green!

17. Remove the green silk and hold it in the left hand. 18. Take the two cards as one from the easel, using the right

hand, thumb to back, fingers on the front, Figure 278.

1. sliding the color card to of the double back card,

e gliding the color card

ronts and back of TWOmpathy by my beautifulNOW FOR THE IMPORTANT MOVE 19. Turn the cards over, at the same time

the right with the thumb, exposing partFigure 279.

20. Now turn the cards over again, this timto the left, Figure 280.

21. To the spectators, you have shown fgreen cards, brought together in syprincess! The Traveling Knots * 52

*COURTESY CONJURORS MAGAZINE

Effect: Two knots joining three silks pass toa rope while in a paper bag. Required: Three 18 silks, length of soft rope,and a paper bag. Nothing is prepared. Presentation:

1. Show the bag empty, then place it ona table.

2. Join the silks with square knots,Figure 2-7.

3. Display the knotted silks, Figure 93.

4. Secretly release the knots, Figure 93-98. 5. Place the knotted (?) silks in the paper bag, Fig. 281. 6. Display the rope, Figure 282. 7. Coil the rope, Figure 283, dropping the loop over the left

fingers, Figure 284. 8. Repeat, forming a second coil, dropping it over the left fingers

with the first loop. 9. Reach thru the coils with the right hand, take end A, and

bring it thru the loops, Figure 285. 10. Drop the coiled rope into the bag, end a of rope protruding,

Figure 286. 11. Command the knots to pass from silks to rope. 12. Display the silks and rope, Figure 287.

Passe Passe Knot * 53

G E O R G E J O H N S T O N E Effect: A silk knotted to a rope, Figure 289, visibly passes toanother, Figure 290. Required: Two one yard lengths of rope, a common pin (coated withrubber cement to eliminate its sheen), an 18 silk. Preparation: Before presenting, insert the pin diagonally thru the center of one rope, Figure 288. Presentation:

1. With spectator holding theunprepared rope taut vertically,tie the silk around the ropewith a fake knot, Figures 134-140, Volume 2.

2. Now pass the second rope (withpin) behind the first, Figure289, secretly engaging the pinin the back of the knot.

3. Lift up on the rope and the silkpasses from the first rope tothe second Figure 290.

Note: If you want to pass the knottedsilk back to the first rope, prepareboth ropes with pins, and have yourassistant, instead of a spectator, holdthe first rope. *COURTESY THE SPHINX

20th Century Sympathetic Silks * 54

U. F. G R A N T Present Grants 20 Century (Volume 2, pages 996-97). Afterdisplaying the chain of three silks, secretly dispose of the fakesquare knots, Figures 92-97, then toss the silks into the air andcatch them as they fall singly to the floor. To these, add three moresilks obtained from your table. (These were secretly knotted prior toperforming, Figure 199). You now have six silks ready for the falsecount and one of several standard Sympathetic Silks routines givenearlier in this chapter. Comedy Sympathetic Silks ** 55

J U L I A N G R E S H A M

Effect: The knots in three silks placedin a bag pass to three separate silks ina second bag. Required: Twelve 18 silks (4 each, red,white and blue); 2 changing bags. Theconstruction and working of a ChangingBag are shown in Figures 182-190,pages 334-335, Volume I. (Ifpreferred, P and L Comedy ChangingBag, Fig. 291, may be used.

* COURTESY U.F. GRANT * * COURTESY CONJURORS MAGAZINE

Preparation: Place a red, white, and blue silk in each compartment (A andB) of the first bag. In the second, place three separate silks in oneside (C), and the last red, white and blue, knotted, together, in theother (D) Figure 292. Compartments A and C are open. Presentation:

1. Select a boy and girl assistant from the audience. 2. Have the boy remove the three single silks from

compartment A of the first bag. 3. Turn the bag inside out to prove it empty. (If zipper bag is

used, allow the boy to run his hand thru the bag and wave atthe audience.)

4. Have the boy tie the red; white and blue silks in a chain withsquare knots, then drop them into compartment A of thebag.

5. Secretly turn the hand, closing compartment A then havethe boy hold the bag high above his head.

6. Repeat steps 2 and 3 with the girl, using the second bag.However, the silks are returned to compartment C withoutknotting them.

7. Secretly turn the handle, closing compartment C then havethe girl hold the bag high above her head.

8. Command the knots to pass from the first bag to the second. 9. Permit the assistant to remove the silks, proving the miracle

has happened.

Chameleon Knots * 56

R O B E R T H A R B I N

Effect: Knots in tow silks change color, then

vanish! Required:

Two 24 silks (a red and a green);tow fake knots, Fig. 294.

Preparation:

Over two metal rings, Figure 293,form two fake knots, one of red silk, one ofgreen, Figure 294. Next, tie a slipknot atthe centers of the silks, Figures 210-215.(Also see Figures 128-131, Page 730,Volume 2) Slip the fake knots in place,Figure 295.

Presentation:1. Display the silks with (slip)

knots at their centers,Figure 295. (NOTE: A slipknot tightens if strokedfrom one end; dissolves if

stroked from the other,Figure 296.)

2. Secretly encircle the fake

knots with the right hand,then slide them down overthe slip knots, Figure 297.

*COURTESY ABRACADABRA

3. Display the silks, knots havingchanged places, Figure 298.

4. Now take corners B in the righthand, reversing the ends of thesilks.

5. Stroke down the silks with theleft hand.

6. When you reach the centers theslip knots dissolve.

7. Continue to the bottom tips of

the silks, carrying the fake knots* COURTESY CONJURORS MAGAZINE

Effect: Two looped silks separate whiletwo other looped silks link together. Required: Four 18 silks (2 white, a red, anda blue), and 2 felt hats. Preparation: Tie each silk into a

Satans Silks * 57

in your left hand, Figure 299. 8. Turn to the left, Figure 300, and

secretly pocket the fake knots asyou show the knots havedisappeared.

loop, Figure 301. Link the red and white Figures 302,303,304 and 306. Presentation:

1. Display the separate blue andwhite loops, draping them overthe left hand Figure 302.

2. Then take them in both hands,Figure 303, secretly linking themtogether, Figure 304, just asthey are dropped into an emptyhat, Figure 305. All this is donein one motion.

3. Press the left thumb against thecenter of the white silk as theright pull the blue, Figure 305,until the knots are tight, Figure306. Now the silks are pushedout of view deep in the hat.

4. Display the knotted red andwhite silks, Figure 306. Thentaking the knots, pull the silksslightly apart, Figure 307, as youdrop them into the second emptyhat.

5. Command the silks to reverseconditions.

6. Holding the second hat as inFigure 308, remove the nowfreed red silk and toss it intothe air.

7. Repeat with the freed white silk. 8. Go to the first hat and produce

the blue and white, securelyjoined together!

20th Century Sympathy * 58

L E N B E L C H E R Effect: A silk vanishes and reappears tied between two others on aneasel. Then the knots vanish. Required: Six 18 silks (two each red, yellow and blue); 24 black silk;wooden easel, Figure 309; paper cone, Page 320, Volume I. Preparation: Tie a red, yellow, and blue silk in a chain with square knots,Figure 1 thru 7, then upset the knots, Figure 56. Place the remainingyellow silk behind the easel just below the center hole, Figure 310.

PART ONE Presentation:

1. Take the five 18 silks in the right hand as in Fig. 311. 2. Using Rices Count, Effect No. 15, show the single red and

blue, then switch to the three (secretly) knotted silks as theyellow is added.

3. Lay the three aside; show the remaining (single) red and blue,then lay them aside.

4. Carrying the (knotted) three silks behind the easel, push thecenters of the red and blue silks thru the end holes, Figure312.

5. Now push the center of the single yellow thru the middlehole, Figure 313.

6. Form the paper cone, Page 320, Volume I. 7. Place the single red and blue in the cones compartments B. 8. Withdraw the single yellow silk from the center hole and

place it in cones compartment A. *COURTESY - ABRACADABRA

9. Lay cone aside but in full view. 10. Cover the center hole with the black silk, Figure 314. 11. Open the cone and show the yellow silk has vanished, Page

320, Volume I. 12. Prepare to remove the black silk from the easel. With one

hand go behind the easel and push the center of the knottedyellow silk thru the hole. At the same time pinch the center ofthe yellow thru the black silk with the other hand. Now drawthe black silk away, releasing the pinched yellow silk after it iswell thru the hole, Figure 315.

13. Show the vanished yellow silk back in its place, Figure 315.

PART TWO 14. Knot, then secretly release the single red and blue silks, using

one of the methods given earlier in this chapter. 15. Command the 3 silks in the easel to knot themselves in

sympathy. Remove the silks, and the red, yellow, and blue areknotted!

16. Replace the three silks in their holes, back to front, secretlyreleasing the knots. Silks now appear as shown in Figure 315.

17. Now command the knot (secretly released, Step 14) betweenthe red and blue silks to vanish, then show the silks to beseparate.

18. Close by removing the 3 silks from the easel, now separate, insympathy with the first two!

The Traveling Knot * 59

L. L. I R E L A N D A knot travels from the performers silk to one held by aspectator. This effect is explained on pages 728-31 Volume 2. *COURTESY IRELAND MAGIC CO.

Twin Sympathy* 60

O S C A R W E I G L E, J R. Effect: This is a clever story about twin brothers who marry twinsister. Two silks repeatedly tie and untie themselves in sympathywith two others. Required: Three prepared paper cones, (either No. 20 or 21, Chapter 8,Volume I); two glass tumblers; 4-18 red and 2-18 white silks. Preparation: Place a red silk in the compartment of two of the three papercones. Presentation:

1. Display the twin brothers (red silk ), the twin sisters (whitesilks), and their future home (tow cones containing red silks ).

2. Marry a red and a white by tieing a square knot, (Figures 1-7).Then secretly upset the knot (Fig. 56). Now place the set intheir love next (cone), secretly separating the silks once theygo inside. Place cone in a tumbler.

3. Repeat with second set, but do NOT separate the silks. 4. The second set quarrels, and the red silk separates and leaves

his wife. Reach into the cone (secret compartment) and bringout the (duplicate) red silk, which is free of his wife (whitesilk).

5. Still mad, he returns to his house. (Replace the red silk in itscones secret compartment). 6. Now second set, also twins, and in sympathy with the first,quarrel and separate! (Turn first cone upside down, allowingfree red and white to fall to floor.)

*COURTESY HOLDENS MAGIC SHOP

7. This time the husband leaves the wife! (Toss red silk overyour shoulder, then drop single white silk in its second cone.)And, a second quarrel for other couple.

8. Turn first cone upside down, and the two silks (tied at step7) have separated.

9. Drop the two separate silks, in the first cone, only to havethe husband leave in a huff! (Reach into the cone and removethe duplicate red silk from the secret compartment).

10. The brothers decide to rent an apartment of their own.Introduce the third cone and show it empty.

11. Place the two red silks in the cone (secret compartment). 12. But soon they decide this is not the life for them, and

vacate. (Show third cone empty, crush, and toss aside.) 13. Red silks (husbands) are not back with the white ones (wives)!

(Remove the red and white from the first cone and displaythem. Remove the white from second cone and red (fromcompartment) and display them.

14. And they lived happily ever after (as you knot the four silkstogether at one corner)!

15. But they soon make up. (Tie the first set again, upset knot,replace in cone, secretly separating the silks again.)

16. Now, advise silks in second cone have also made up and havejoined together in sympathy. (Remove knotted silks anddisplay them.)

17. But now they are quarrelling again. Watch! Hold the silks as inFigure 316, then blow upon the knot, commanding it to visiblydissolve. (Pull corners A and B in opposite directions andsilks will separate.)

In A Bag * 61

HAROLD R. RICE

This effect was inspired byBagshawes Flying Knot in NOVELMYSTERIES Effect: A knot in a tri-colored silk vanishesand appears in one of three silks in a paperbag, Figure 322. The effect is repeateduntil knots are in all three silks. Required: A tri-colored (red, yellow, andgreen), 24 silk; 6-12 solids (2 each, red,yellow, and green); a 25 pound kraftgrocery bag; 3 small lead weights. Preparation: Fold a red, a yellow, and a green silkdiagonally, then sew each as shown inFigure 317. Now drop a lead weight in eachbag and sew it in corner B, Figure 318.Tie a small knot in the centers of each ofthe remaining 12 solids, then drop thesilks inside their bags of matching colors,

Figure 319, leaving a corner protruding. Presentation:

1. Show the bag empty and place it on

the seat of a chair.

*COURTESY SILK KING STUDIOS

2. Pick up a prepared 12, Figure 320, display it, Figure 321, thenlower it into the bag, leaving 3 or 4 of corner C hangingoutside of the bag in full view, Figure 322.

3. Display the 24 tri-colored silk, and request a spectator toselect a color.

4. Tie a dissolving knot in the silks center, Fig. 209-215. 5. Now state you will visibly pass the knot to the 12 silk of

selected color in the bag. 6. Holding the 24 silk as in Figure 215, pull corners A and B

in opposite directions and the knot will dissolve. 7. Bring the two unselected 12 silks together, & take bag with

the left hand, as the right takes a corner of the selected silk,Figure 323.

8. Holding the selected silk over the center of the bag, give thesilk a slight downward shake, releasing the bag silk which fallinside the bag, Figure 324.

9. Toss the knotted selected silk to a spectator who examinesthe knot.

10. Remove the remaining 2-12 silks and show them free ofknots, Figure 321, then replace them in the bag, Figure 325.

11. Repeat steps 3-8, passing a second kno