Preparation: Slide the halves of the case apart prior to inserting the rope. Push the short piece of rope that is inside so that its ends point outwards (toward the openings). Simply move the rope a few fractions of an inch towards each end.

(Fig.1)

Performance: Display the case and the rope as usual, and proceed to the cutting of the rope. Grasp the long section of rope with the right hand just to the right of the case and push it inwards slightly, as if making an adjustment. The small visible section in the case will move inwards and close the gap you made earlier. Do the same with the long rope on the left side of the case. Fig.1. To the audience, everything appears as it should, and no attention should be drawn to the little correction you make to the position of the two halves of the cut rope. It just makes the restoration of the rope seem even more impossible.

Effect : Using the apparatus, a small piece is cut off the end of the rope and removed. The remaining long length of rope is cut into two. The previously removed small piece is inserted in the case between the two halves of the long rope. In one instant, all three pieces of rope have been magically "recycled" into one long length of rope which can be passed out for examination.

Performance : Perform the basic Clean Cut routine as explained in the original instructions. Next, pull the rope through the case to your right, so that the end of the rope to your left is just out of view, concealed inside the case. Slide the mechanism fully and remove the short piece of rope from the left hand window, placing it on the table. Everything looks as it should. Fig.1.

(Fig.1)

Pull out the long length of rope while simultaneously snapping the case shut. Fig 2 & 3.

(Fig.2)		(Fig.3)

Reinsert the long rope into the case and pull it through to the halfway point. Place your left thumb in the window to your left and slide the right hand section of the case away from you with your right hand. Show the audience that the rope has been cut once again. (The case has actually come to rest at an intermediate point) Fig.4.

Rotate the case so that the left hand side of the case faces the spectator and hold it in your left hand as shown in Fig.5. Bring your right hand over to grasp the outermost length of rope and appear to pull the rope out of the case slightly. With the case under the cover of the right hand, you simultaneously slide the mechanism to its full extent with your left thumb and fingers. Fig.6. When you remove your right hand you should be left with the situation in Fig.7. Pick up the short piece of rope that you previously placed on the table and drop or slide it into the empty window. Close the case, and pull out your "recycled" rope.

This requires the use of some technique, but once you master this, it will appear to be real magic. Please refer to a technical book on card magic to understand the following terminology and techniques. Have two spectators each select and remember a card from the deck. However, during the selection process, force the first spectator to remove the 8 of hearts, and allow the second spectator a truly free selection. Have the second spectator sign the face of his card. Ask both spectators to return their cards to the deck. Control the signed selection to the top of the deck, and the 8 of hearts to second from the top. Execute a double turnover to show the 8 of hearts. You have apparently found the first spectator's selection. Turn the double card face down onto the deck, and take the real top card (the signed selection) off of the deck. Place this card onto the table, face down. You will not need the deck any longer, so place the deck off to the side. Take out the Fantastica frame, and show that both sides are empty. Then, hold the frame so that its front side is facing towards you. Pick up the card from the table, being careful not to flash its face, and insert it into the frame. As you insert the card, cause the 8 of hearts to appear inside of the frame. Turn the frame so that your spectators can see the 8 of hearts inside. Now, tilt the frame so that the card inside slides out. It will appear that the card visually changes into the second spectator's card. Even more amazing is that this card is exactly the same one that your spectator has signed.

This handling allows you to make the number of coins increase, as opposed to the original handling of METAL MATRIMONY in which the number of coins diminish. To prepare, insert two quarters into the secret holder. To perform, borrow one quarter from your spectator, and place it onto the base. Explain, "This is a virtual scope that allows you to see into a strange and mysterious world." Hand the cover to your spectator, and allow him to look through it. Take back the cover, and place it onto the base. Allow your spectator to look through the cover from above, and he will see two coins. Say, "Let's try to adjust this some more." Look through the top by yourself, and slightly lower the cover to engage the gimmick. Now, when you let the spectator look through the cover from above, he will see three coins. After showing this to the spectator, lower the cover more, until four coins are visible. Then, lower the cover further still until there appear to be two coins. Open the lid at this point, and two real coins will be visible. Tilt the stand forward to allow those two coins to drop out, and hand them to your spectator for examination.

This variation uses only the "Virtual Coin" cover, and does not use any coins. Display the special film that is attached to the lid, and explain, "This special filter allows you to see through anything." Place the cover onto your palm or arm, as indicated in the diagram. The point here is to make sure that the end of the cover protrudes slightly. If you position this correctly, it really looks like there is a hole running straight through your hand! You will actually be able to see through to the other side of the hole. If you pass a ballpoint pen underneath your hand, you will be able to see the pen through the hole as well. Be sure to hold the pen so that the tip is as far forward as possible. Try this variation with the prop in hand, and you will be surprised at how the qualities of the special filter allow this unusual effect to happen automatically. Before putting the prop away, explain, "This allows me to see through anything. Pretty convenient, wouldn't you say? I would let you borrow it, but you never know what people will use it for..."