Talons of Weng-Chiang by Terrance Dicks

Author:Terrance Dicks
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Tags: Science Fiction, Horror, Adventure, Fantasy
ISBN: 9780426119739
Publisher: Target Books
Published: 1977-01-01T10:00:00+00:00

11 Death on Stage

The soprano concluded her patriotic song, and exited to enthusiastic applause. The curtains were drawn and Jago appeared in front of them. 'And now, Ladies and Gentlemen, it is my privilege to introduce to you, in his extended season here at the Palace, in the second of two appearances here this evening, someone whose legendary legerdemain has entertained all the crowned heads of Europe . Here to baffle and bewilder you, the world's foremost magician, straight from the mysterious Orient - ladies and gentlemen, Li H'sen Chang!'

The curtains drew back to reveal a painted backdrop intended to represent an Oriental palace. Jago pointed dramatically to the center of the empty stage and stepped hastily back. There was a brilliant flash, a cloud of smoke, and suddenly Chang was there, bowing low in his Oriental robes. 'Humble Chang is most honored at this kind reception.' He snapped his fingers and the Chinese assistant Lee carried on a table upon which rested a pack of cards and a nickel-plated revolver. 'First tlick velly simple,' announced Chang. During his act he often spoke in the pidgin English that Englishmen expected from the Chinese. He picked up the cards from the table. 'Will someone take cards please?' Chang walked across to the side of the stage until he stood directly looking up at the Doctor's box. 'You sir? Please catchee cards?'

He tossed the pack into the air and the Doctor caught it. Chang bowed. 'Kindly assist humble magician by finding ace of diamonds and holding up so everyone can see!'

The Doctor found the card and held it up to the audience.

Chang bowed his thanks. 'Ah, so! Now please to put card back in middle of pack, and hold whole pack up with finger and thumb.'

Once more the Doctor obeyed. Chang took the revolver from the table. 'Chang will now shoot magic bullet through ace of diamonds, without hitting other cards. Honorable gentleman will please remain very still.'

Chang leveled the revolver from the stage. The Doctor stood upright in the box, the cards held before his chest like a target.

Leela looked worriedly up at him. 'Doctor, be careful...'

The Doctor smiled. He knew that Chang intended to try to kill him. But he also knew that the magician wouldn't do it too obviously. This was merely a preliminary challenge, a test of nerve. Deliberately the Doctor moved the pack of cards so it was directly over his-left-hand heart.

There was an excited murmur from the crowd, and Chang held up a reproving hand. 'Please to be very still. I shot fifteen peasants trying to learn this trick!'

Slowly Chang raised the revolver and fired. The Doctor stood quite still, and Chang called, 'If most courageous gentleman will now look for ace of diamonds?'

The Doctor found the card and held it up. There was a neat hole drilled through the center. The crowd gave a round of applause, and the Doctor looked down at Chang. 'Oh, very good! Anything else I can do?'

Chang bowed once more.

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