The morning times., 1896-05-17
WuES OF MEN AND STRATEGIES OF WAR

mechanism. which consists or fine tool
steel tubing, jointed at short intervals
In a way. which permits of its being
turned in any direction, thus obviating
any unnatural awkwardnesS in using the
arms or body.
Through this tubing runs q fine silk
cord, one end OF winch terminates about
half way down the forearm, where it
hooks into the ends OF two pieces OF very
thin steel which lie flat together. These
two fiat pieces are made to slide on one
another by system OF small rollers and
india rubber bands. The delicacy OF the
mechanism will be better understood when
1T is known that two OF the smallest ba nds
made are sufficient to give all the spring
required. In the fore end of one of these
flat steels is fastened watch spring ar
rangement, which works with an almost
human action. When the lower end of the
silk cord is pulled down it forces out into
the hand the piece of steel with the watch
spring catch on it, and when the cord is
released the mechanism flies back TO
concealment in the shirt sleeve like 4
flash. Thus far there is but little change
in the general idea from Keppli nger's
plan, except that the arrangement of the
hand part OF the machine admits Of a
greater variety of "work' being done, as
will be explained further on. 1t is in the
device by which the cord is operated
from the lower end that the extraordinary
skill of the inventor is shown and his
ingenI ty forces admiration. even though
used in q bad cause. With this contrivance
on the poker sharp may straddle table
leg. or sit cross legged or sideways to the
table. and at the same time work the
machine.
HOW THE TRICK Is DONE.
Taking up the machine at the knee, where
Keppinger left IL Off, this invention ar
ranged light harness of elastic webbing
running down the back Of the leg with
circular bands to hold 1T In place, and
through this webbing continued the silk
cord. the lower end terminating in a small
hook. Next he had light but stiff bit OF
steel inserted in the back part of one OF his
shoes, so arranged that the hook of the
silk cord could be attached TO it. This
hooking apparatus is the most ingenious
part of the whole affair. 1t can be fastened
and unfastened by q mere touch of the toe
of the other shoe, and the wearer may
move about as freely as If he had no harness
on. The tension of The cord and springs IS
fixed so that with the heel Of the shoe rest
ing on the floor the raising OF the toe part
will draw down the cord and force the end
of the card-holder out into the hand. The
nicely of this apparatus will be appreciated
by mechanics, as it involves the forcing or
the arm mechaniciSm at least seven inches
by the raising of the toe less than two inches
and the entire strain comes on the two small
rubber bands. Such skill put TO any legiti-
mate and honorable use would make the
inventor famous the world over
This machine is usually worn on the
left leg and arm. but can be made for the
right side of the body. In use the opera
tor puts it on while dressing III his room,
and may wear it around all day, if de-
sired, and suffer no inconvenience but
few men care to do this, as it entails
exposure should they meet with any acci
dent. The common method Is to slip
it on just before sitting down to the game,
and this can he done in less than ten
minutes. 1t is nOiseleSs in operation,
entails no false motions in lis manipula
ton, and may he used for months in the
same game without arousing suspicion
if the sharper has sense enough TO refrain
from trying TO break the whole crowd 1T
one sitting One man who is said to he