073-The Billion Dollar Ransom by Franklin W. Dixon

Author:Franklin W. Dixon [Dixon, Franklin W.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2011-08-07T15:12:09+00:00

Chapter 12

Sandbag Scare

While Frank and Chet kept a sharp lookout for danger backstage, Joe went to see Mr. Heifitz in the box office.

"I'm glad you're here," the theater manager greeted him. "Would you give me a hand, Joe? Mrs. Winters, who usually helps me, has the flu and can't come. It'll only be for a couple of hours."

Joe readily agreed. Selling tickets was a relief from the security watch. Furthermore, only two people were needed backstage for the show.

The performance was a sellout. People started lining up for tickets at six o'clock. By seven-thirty, there was not a seat to be had. The box office had to be kept open, though, for those who had reserved tickets by phone.

Mr. Heifitz was alternately deliriously happy or in the deepest gloom. One minute, he foresaw the most dire consequences for the evening's performance; the next minute he marveled that the week's receipts had broken the theater's record and said he was sure tonight would be an artistic triumph.

At eight-thirty sharp, the footlights dimmed. The chief judge stepped before the curtain to explain the reason for the contest, and how fourteen illusionists had been eliminated. "Now only Zandro and Manuel remain to battle upon this venerable stage. May the best magician win!"

There was loud cheering. After clearing his throat, the chief judge announced, "The finalists have flipped a coin backstage to determine their positions on tonight's program. That toss was won by Manuel, who chose to be last. Therefore, ladies and gentlemen, it is my pleasure to introduce the great Zandro!"

There was tumultuous applause, and Zandro's most ardent supporters whistled and stamped their feet when the curtain opened. The magician appeared at the side of the stage, bowed, and then started to march across to a table in the center.

There was a sudden shout, "Zandro, look out!"

The man jumped backwards. A gray object fell to the stage with a thud.

Someone in the front row screamed, "It's a body!" For a moment, it looked as if the audience might panic, which would have been a disaster in the packed theater. But with a spirit that surprised Frank and Joe, Mr. Heifitz walked upon the stage and raised his hands for silence. There was something about the small man that commanded attention and the audience became quiet.

"Its not a body," he informed the people before him, "but a bag of sand used as one of the weights to raise and lower the curtain. Somehow it fell, for which the management of this theater deeply apologizes. Now we must beg your indulgence as we lower the curtain for a few minutes. Please bear with us as we make repairs."

He snapped his fingers and the curtain came down. When it had reached the floor, he turned around and rushed to Zandro. The Hardys, Chet, and Happy Hortell ran in from the wings.

"Are you all right?" Mr. Heifitz asked anxiously, peering into the magician's face. Zandro was shaking violently, his eyes transfixed on the sandbag. "That might have killed me," he managed to croak.

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