pages: unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf, 174
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unmaskingrobert00houdgoog.pdf | 174 | THE CABALISTIC CLOCK or as slowly as possible, or in time to music. In fact the performer has full control of the hands-he can make them do his every bidding. The mysterious clock is a trick as old as the obedient- card trick, if not. older. It was explained according to various methods in books before Robert-Houdin's appearance on the stage. In fact, the majority of old- time conjuring books explain mysterious clocks carefully. Before electricity was introduced, magnets were em- ployed, but the earliest method was to make use of thread wound about the spindle of the clock hand, and that method is still the very best used to-day, owing to its simplicity. The clock, on being presented to the audience, may be hung or placed in the position best suited to the particular method by which it is being "worked." It shows a transparent clock face, such as you see in any jewelry shop. Some magicians utilize only one hand, which permits the easy use of electricity or magnet, while others employ two and even three hands. When more than one hand is used the hours and minutes are indicated simultaneously and, if cards are pasted on the clock face, the largest hand is used to find the chosen cards. The clock may be placed on a pedestal, in an upright position, or hung in midair on two ribbons or strings. It can be hung on a stand made expressly for the purpose, on the style of a music stand, or it can be swung in a frame. In fact, as stated before, it is usually placed so as to facilitate the method of working. When the cabalistic clock is taken off the hook or the stand on which it is placed, and handed to one of the spectators to hold, the latter places the hand on the pin [ 55] |