Equipment

A 2 m (6 ft) length of string. Six traditional Chinese coins or metal washers. A large handkerchief.

Performing

• Explain, 'Until only recently, the Chinese preferred clothes without pockets. They had an unusual way of
carrying loose change. They made coins with holes in the middle and carried the coins on a piece of string
hanging from around the waist. Chinese pickpockets used a very cunning method to steal the coins.'

•  Show the audience the coins or washers and the piece of string.

•  Fold the string in half and push its centre through one of the coins (or washers). Then pass both ends of the
string through the loop to secure the coin to the centre of the string (1).

• Continue, 'Other coins are put on top,' and saying this, thread both ends of the string through several more
coins (2).

• Now tie a single half-hitch about 10 cm (4 in) above the coins and then tie the string loosely around the
waist of one of the spectators so that the coins are hanging from his or her side (3).

• Place the handkerchief over the coins, explaining, 'This is how the coins might be carried, hidden by the
handkerchief.'

• Continue, 'The amazing thing is how the pickpocket was able to remove the coins without untying or cutting
the string.' Saying this, reach under the handkerchief, slide the top five coins upwards with one hand, and
with the other hand loosen the securing loop and then pull it down over the remaining coin (4).

• Allow the coins to slide off the string and into your hand.

• Adding, 'And to this day, they don't know how it's done.' Whisk the handkerchief away to reveal the coins
in your hand and the piece of string still intact.