DeLawrence Manuscript

George DeLawrence

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The Wonderful Needle

Illusion
Effect: Performer has his mouth inspected
and calls for a glass of water. Taking half a
package of needles he places them on his
tongue crossways. After exhibition of the
tongue with the needles laying on it, he
draws in his tongue and executes an
exaggerated swallowing movement as the
needles are apparently swallowed. The
same operation is gone through with the
balance of the needles, then a length of
thread drawn from a spool is also placed in
mouth and swallowed. He now invites
inspection of the mouth. Next he moves
neck up and down a few times as if
drawing something from his mouth and
soon and end of the thread appears at his
lips. A spectator is invited to take hold of it,
but cautioned not to pull the thread as it
may tear performer's throat. As performer
backs away the thread gradually comes out
with the needles strung on it at equal
distnces.

Secret: The secret depends on the fact that

by the method described here the needles
can be manipulated and concealed in the
mouth without any danger. The effect of
this trick depends entirely on the fact that
no one, not even magicians, suspect that is
is possible to manipulate the needles so
easily.
Preparation: First string the needles on a
thread of the length you desire to use,
arranging the thread by a sort of pleating it
up against the needles, or by placing the
needles together and winding the thread
around them until the next needle is
reached, which is places against the others
and the operation continued. Either of
above is preferred by different performers.
Tie a large knot at the end of the thread.
Place the bundle in the left hand side of the
mouth, between lower left gum and cheek.
You are now ready.

Insert the little finger of hand betwen the

lower gums and cheek and spread out the
cheek so the spectators can see this
space, but let the little finger cover the
bundle of needles so that when you draw
the cheek back it slides along under the
little finger and cannot be seen. Next, show
the upper gums in a like manner. Raise the
tongue and show nothing concealed there.
This operation has fooled many physicians,
as it is very puzzling. Take part of the
needles and place them on the tongue, with
the points toward the right. When ready,
show the extended tongue with the needles
lying across, then draw in tongue and
quickly push the needles down between
the space of the right gum and cheek.

Dispose of the remainder in a like manner,

and also the thread, taking care to spin it
into a ball in the mouth before concealing
it. Next pick up the glass of water and
drawing needles and thread to a side, drain
it, followed by a cough and pleased
expression, indicating that the needles
have been washed down. Place the little
fingers in the mouth and cover the needles;
stretch the mouth and cheeks apart,
inviting inspection; then show upper gums
and tongue, as before.
At this point take a little time, inviting
inspection and asking spectators if they
are sure nothing is concealed in the mouth.
Then begin moving your throat up and
down, and bring the bundle of threaded
needles to the front of your mouth, locating
the knot and working it out between the
lips. Continue trick as described before.

This is a wonderful trick, but depends upon

the convincing manner in which presented.

Patter For Needles Trick:

Some folks smoke after eating, some chew

gum, others a tooth-pick, but I am rather
peculiar -- like needles for dessert.

Will three or four gentlemen kindly come

upon the platform and assist me (get at
least three or four, if possible).

Kindly examine my mouth to see that I have

nothing concealed therein (examine as
shown). It is perfectly empty -- you will so
tell the audience -- Thank you.

A packet of needles -- just watch the

needles, and my hands -- Half the packet
(swallow) -- they are gone, now watch the
remainder. They are also gone -- the hands
are empty -- you know I actually placed
them in my mouth. They are however pretty
dry eating, so I'll take a drink, and as a
further relish a piece of black silk thread. I
merely roll it UP so it won't tickle going
DOWN.

Once more, will you please examine my

mouth to see that the needles have really
been swallowed. (Examine). Can you
positively, or will you state to the audience
that there is abosolutely no evidence of the
needles or thread. -- I thank you, kindly.
Once more -- watch me, but closer, and
when I give you ser, the end of the string,
please do not pull on it, as it is liable to tear
my throat. (Proceed to recover the
threaded needles).

Now gentlemen, if you really want to learn

how to appreciate a good after dinner
dessert, I will be pleased to show you how
it is done -- certainly I will -- not.

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