AN ABSOLUTE MIRACLE

You may present this as a feat of mentalism. If you do this on a stage or platform, build it
very dramatically because the result is really impossible. You need two decks. Make sure
one of them has been thoroughly shuffled.
The second deck will be set up exactly the same as the first. In other words, the
decks will match card for card from top to bottom. Arrange it so that every tenth card is a
Ten spot. Put the decks back in their respective cases.
When ready to perform, you will show the two decks. Invite two spectators to come
up from the audience. Turn to the first one and say: Sir, I'm going to ask you to put one of
these decks in your pocket. Either one you select, you will keep. You have a free choice.
He will pick either one. (each has the same arrangement, so ti makes on difference which
is selected.) Turn to the second spectator. Pick up the other deck, remove it from its case.
Turn it face up. Will you select any number between one and fifty-two? Whatever number
you choose, this other gentleman will use. Let us say he picks thirty-three. Turn to the
first man. Please remember number thirty-three as your number. Spread the face-up
cards in front of the second spectator. You will be looking for your Tens. In this way you
can quickly count by tens from the top of the deck to number thirty-three. You must find
the card that is thirty-third from the top. Once you see it, cut the pack so that it is now your
top card. While spreading the deck you are talking: You can see, sir, that this is a regular
deck of cards that has not been arranged in any special way.
You must now force the top card. Have the second spectator cut the deck. Place
the bottom section across the top for a moment. Did you cut freely where you wanted to?
Lift the top group and point to the top card of the cards on the table. Please take that
card, but do not look at it. Set is aside.
Turn to the first spectator. Will you remove the deck from the case? The number
was thirty-three, am I correct? Please count down to the card that is thirty-three cards
from the top of your pack. Do not look at that card; merely set it aside.
When both operations have been completed you will now begin your acting.
Gentlemen, I had nothing to do with this experiment except to direct you. One of you
selected a number at random. One of you selected a card the same way. It is highly
improbable that the two cards you finally selected would be the same. And yet you have
both witnessed an absolute miracle. Point your finger at the cards. Turn the cards over.
They are the same.
(Magic with cards)