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12.47 ••TJ'''' CORNELL UNIVERSITY LIBRARY FROM Date Due V/^A''^7 >^i^Jlf -eeti^^mw7t jiny-ft-i: 1974P- iw*isa^^ ¥ DE€ 1 197Q P liian l <jS5& Cornell University Library GV 1247.R64 1891 Card-sharpers, thff,ffl?,i|?i}ffi|||fifl 3 1924 026 470 801 Cornell University Library The original of tliis book is in the Cornell University Library. There are no known copyright restrictions in the United States on the use of the text. http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924026470801 CARD-SHARPERS — — TWO SPORTING BOOKS. Imp. i6tHff, cloth extra. Illustrated^price 3s". td. {^postage 5^.). Or,withhand-colouredPlatesandsuperiorbinding,js.6d. NEWTON DOGVANE: AStoryofEnglishCountryLife. By FRANCIS FRANCIS, Author op ^'SportingSketches with Pen andPencil" etc.etc. WithIllustrations,engravedonSteel,byJohnLeech. "Whenitissaidthat'NewtonDogvane'iswritten bythe late Mr. FrancisFrancis,andillustrated byJohnLeech,assurance has been given of a handsome and entertaining book."^ Baily's Magazine. Crown %vo,picture hoards,2s. Cloth extra,35-.6d.{postage^d.). HARD HELD. A Sporting Novel. By SIR RANDAL H. ROBERTS, Bart. "Thedescriptionsofsportingscenes—oftrout-fishing,partridge, shooting (with dogs),and arun—with fox-hounds,on a false scent insidiouslyfurnishedbya'drag' aredecidedlygood." Ilhcstrated LondonNews. LONDON: SPENCER BLACKETT, 35, ST. BRIDE STREET, LUDGATE CIRCUS, E.C. AndofallBooksellersandRaihvayBookstalls. CARD-SHARPERS THEIR TRICKS EXPOSED OR THE ART OF ALWAYS WINNING TRANSLATED FROM THE FRENCH ^^ ROBERT-HOUDIN BY JOSEPH FORSTER WITH EXPLANATORY DIAGRAMS LONDON SPENCER BLACKETT 35, ST. BRIDE STREET, LUDGATE CIRCUS, E.G. 1891 h.\-\\^^^^ PREFACE On many occasions when I have been honoured by the Benchbybeingconsulted as an expert in trials for cheating, I have been frequently impressed by the fact that the want ofknowledge of the subject has been an impediment in the path of the judge. How, indeed, could he be expected to understand the subtle schemes of the professional sharper? How put his finger on the point in question, when he knows nothing of the rascal's cunning manoeuvres? By a singular contradiction to the ordinary course of justice, while the offender, armed with tricks and audacity, is strong, the judge is practically without defence and helplessly weak. Devoted for a partofmy life to the study of conjuring, and having given my time to the amusement of the public, I am of opinion that the time has arrived to return to my supporters, who have honoured me with their applause, a not equivocal mark of my gratitude in devoting my leisure to their service. I have therefore written this work, the object of which may be summed up in this self-evident truth: "Enlighten the dupes and there will be no more cheats." But is it sufficient that a truth be uncontestable for it to be uncontested? I do not believe it; and, to prove it, I myselfadvance to meet a probable objection. In unveiling the tricks of card-sharpers, do not you fear PREFACE vi to supplycertain unfortunate playerswith the skillto correct the rigours offortune? I might content myself by replying that in making public the following revelations, I am acting on principles long since firmly established by the press and public writers generally. Nevertheless, to respond more directly to the objection I have stated, I will add that my exposures of trickery and tricks, although quite sufficient to put the public on their guard, are not enough for those desirous of executing them. Suppose, for instance, that I had not taken that pre- caution, what would be the result? Why, that for one already half-perverted person who might utilise myculpable principles, thousands of dupes would by taking warning be protected. But if by these exposures bad instincts are awakened, what are we to say of the numberless books on duelling, where the art of killing his fellow-man is methodically taught? Should not we fear that the principles inculcated in such books may lead to criminal actions? I have myself an excellent opinion of the respectable classes, and hope that the reading of my book will inspire no thoughtbeyond that of guarding themselves against the tricks ofsharpers. Every one then in taking his part at cards, strong in the information I have imparted, will read to his profit the line of Virgil : Timeo Danaos et donaferentes* * I dread evenapresent froma Greek.