Then something incredible happened. Without a word Barry handed him back the five dollar bills, picked up the ball, placed it under the middle cup and tapped the top of the cup twice. The man silently understood and without his patter began the dance.

Slowly, slowly he began almost dragging the cups left and right and then in a circular motion even lifting a cup to show nothing underneath. Then quicker and quicker until it was almost a blur. Then a sudden stop. Barry was unphased. He tapped the middle cup. Again the ball was underneath it. Again a big cheer from the crowd. Again five more dollars handed over and now a bead of sweat appeared on the carny’s brow.

The cups reset, the ball shown again, the dance began.