Now, while the manager held each envelope aloft, the medium had but to read the top card in his left hand and give the tests in a dramatic manner.  After the tests, when the tables were set to one side and a cabinet erected, an assistant out of view received the cards from the medium’s left hand; and then while behind the scenes, replaced them in envelopes, sealed them, and then exchanged these for the “dummy” envelopes on the small table.  After the entertainment the manager placed the originals (now again sealed) near the front of the stage for the writers to take and keep as souvenirs if they should so desire.

It is evident that this method could be varied a little.  For instance, when the manager holds the envelope aloft, the medium could first read it and carefully describe the writing.  He could then ask for the envelope, so as to become en rapport with the writer, in order that he may give the correct answer.  In this case he could leave the surplus cards on the back of the table behind the music box, and have in his left palm only the single card he is reading.  When he receives the envelope he should place it in his left hand directly over the card and tear off the end of the envelope.  He should then apparently take out the card from the envelope, but in reality take the original card from the rear of the envelope with his right hand.  He should then with his right hand press this card on top of his head and give the answer, while his left hand lays the opened envelope on the table or music box.  In this case, as soon as he answers the question, he should return the card to the manager with his right hand and ask the manager to have some boy run with it to its writer.  After it is returned to its writer, the manager can hold aloft another envelope and the medium continue with the tests.  After the tests, the manager should remove the torn envelopes, as they contain “dummy” cards.

I will now explain the method pursued on the second evening.  After the questions were written and sealed, the manager went among the spectators collecting the envelopes in a cloth bag.  He first numbered the envelopes, at the same time instructing each spectator to remember his number, after which the envelopes were dropped into the bag.  When all the envelopes were collected, the manager lifted the bag in the tips of his fingers and ascended to the stage with it in plain view.  He quickly attached it to the cord and drew it up to the ceiling.  So far all was fair; but just at this moment a person in the rear of the hall made the statement that he desired to place his envelope in the bag also.  The performer asked a gentleman on the floor to take the bag, which he now lowered and detached, and to kindly go to the gentleman and get his envelope.  While he was doing this the manager held the audience by his discourse.  The two gentlemen were, of course, paid confederates; and when they met behind the spectators, they merely exchanged the first bag for a duplicate under the coat of the rear confederate, who then slipped around behind the stage with the original.