Then, starting about 5 1/2 or 6 in. from the end of the shortest strand, twist all the strands evenly (see Fig. 38) for about 2 1/2 in. or more toward the end, and wrap or serve evenly with Barbour's No. 12 flax, or use heavy silk thread. Put on this serving as tightly as possible (see Fig. 39).

Form a loop of the served part, as shown in Figure 40. Holding the loop in the left hand, separate the ends into three pairs, each pair being one long and one short strand, as shown at A in Figure 40. Next separate the long strands shown at B in Figure 40 into pairs. Then lay one of the end pairs A along one of the long pairs B as shown in Figure 41 and wax them together. Examine the cord and if it is twisted toward the right or left then twist each of these strands of 4 toward the right or left as the case may be, using plenty of wax. It is somewhat difficult to do this part of the job alone, but by holding the loop and the strands as shown in Figure 42. one can manage it after a few attempts. If a helping hand is near, it is easier for one person to hold the loop and twist, while the other holds the strands and keeps them from untwisting, or the loop may be held in the vise.

It might be well to go over this explanation once more. Hold the loop between the thumb and first finger of the left hand. The 3 pairs of short ends (one long and one short strand to a pair) are laid along the 3 pairs of long strands and stuck together by stroking, so that the result is 3 groups of 4 strands each. Twist the first set of 4 together very tightly, then swing it down and hold it between the third and fourth fingers, as shown in Figure 42. Then take the next set of 4, twist it the same amount and hold it between the second and third fingers. Now twist the third strand, always remembering to start as close to the loop as possible and twisting it past the longest of the short ends.

When all three strands are tightly and evenly twisted, place them together and twist them in the opposite direction. This forms the splice, and should look like Figure 43.