Excerpt from Card-Sharpers: Their Tricks Exposed
On many occasions when I have been honoured by the Bench by being consulted as an expert in trials for cheating, I have been frequently impressed by the fact that the want of knowledge 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 man?uvres?
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 part of my 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 myself advance to meet a probable objection.
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