The Slit Envelope

Various forms of slit envelopes have been used by mind
readers as a means of quick access to the writing within. As the
title indicates, a secret slit, or opening is made in the envelope
with a knife. The slit may be at the bottom edge, the side edge,
or at some point on the face or back of the envelope, depending
upon the routine to be followed.
In working the one ahead billet switch wherein the thumb tip is
employed (Thumb Tip Steal, One Ahead) as previously
described, the idea of using a slit envelope instead of a thumb
tip was suggested. Some experimenting revealed a simple and
very practical method which is here described.
Cards and drug envelopes are used, the latter having the usual
end flaps with gum for sealing. One envelope is prepared by
slitting open the bottom crease along its entire length. The
others are unprepared. The prepared envelope is at the bottom of
a stack of say a dozen envelopes, all held in one hand along
with the cards. The cards are passed out first, and the spectators
are instructed to write their names, questions, drawings, etc.
The envelopes are then distributed until you get down to the last
(prepared) envelope which you hold by the slit end and while
directing one of the spectators to turn his card over, you reach
for it and insert it in the fake envelope. You are talking to the
whole audience as you do this--in other words, all of them are
cautioned to let no one see what they have written--they are to
turn the written side downwards, insert card in envelope and
seal it. You seal the faked one by way of illustration and
proceed to collect the others, putting them underneath that one.
Holding the pile in one hand as you return to the stage, it is an
easy matter to secretly extract the card from the slit envelope
and place it on top of the envelope, using the fingers of the other
hand for this move. The written side of the card is exposed to
you, and faces you as you hold the stack in left hand.
The bottom (unprepared) envelope now faces the audience, and
this one is removed by the right hand and raised to the level of
your eyes. You pretend to read the contents, but, of course, read
the card facing you on the pile of envelopes.
After completing your answer, the raised envelope is placed
between the first and second fingers of the left hand, being thus
in full view of the audience. The pile of envelopes is still held in
left hand, being gripped between thumb and first finger. The
right hand picks up a pair of scissors and snips off the end of the
separated envelope. The scissors are put down, and the right
thumb and index finger extract the card which you hold with
writing towards you as you read it "to confirm" your
impressions, doing the regular one ahead stunt. Now a simple
switch of cards must be made, and the move is screened by the
envelopes held in left hand.
The right hand, holding the card between the thumb and first
finger, approaches the left hand for the Ostensible purpose of
getting the separated envelope, and that is all that seems to take
place. However, the card in right hand is placed on the pile, and
the other card removed as the separated envelope is gripped
between the first and second fingers of right hand, and both the
card and envelope are drawn away in the right hand at the same
time and may be handed to the writer.
A little practice on this exchange move will show how easy it is,
and familiarity will perfect its quick and smooth execution. The
same routine is followed with the remaining envelopes which
you take from the bottom until but one remains--the slit
envelope--with the last card on it. This is treated just as though
the card were inside, you raising it to your forehead, giving the
answer, and then cutting off the end (slit end). Insert the first
and second fingers as though to get card and with thumb on
back, the card is "extracted" in a move that is perfectly natural.