Show fr i I 1 f OSS OF PUZZLE clever and mystifying trick that can be performed by ordinary straws for this splendid and mystifying trick you will require six ordinary Ir inking straws these straws must e fashioned into the form of a cross by being bound with thread at the place where the cross piece joins the upright As an additional security and as a help to keep the cross per estly flat pins are passed cross of orient through the three straws at about halt an inch from each extremity as in dilated in the first illustration besides these straws a tiny wooden plug just large enough to fit inside the center upright straw will be required A bent needle point is fixed into this plug which is shown in the drawing marked X isow the cross Is laid flat upon the palm of one hand while the other makes passes round and above it suddenly the cross Is seen to move performing the trick and slowly it rises until it stands perfectly erect all this while you can pass your wand above and round the cross to prove that it Is not suspended in any way by wires or strings the trick is worked in this man ner the cross with the plug in it Is laid upon the fleshy part of the base 0 the fingers so that the needle point Is inserted into the flesh the hand is now held in the position andl bated in the illustration with the fingers slightly bent upward supporting the cross now gradually straighten your band and as the flesh tightens the cross will assume an upright position by an almost imperceptible movement ot the finger the cross can be made to rise or fall at the performers inclination |