‘A very soft bag for little Peter,’ offered Madame, moving to the cage to peer in at her tiny charge. She looked up at me. ‘My illusions will never harm a living creature.’

‘My illusions,’ shouted Borelli.

Madame smiled at us out of sight of her husband.

I returned my attention to the ankle. Her illusions would never harm a creature … except, perhaps, her boorish husband. That thought gave rise to a sudden suspicion. As I tightened the bandage around Borelli’s ankle, he jerked again, sending the makeshift splint awry.

‘Hold still, Mr Borelli! Holmes, press down here, and do not let go.’

‘I am not a nurse, Watson.’

‘Try,’ I said, sharply.

‘You say I have six special somethings. You name two only,’ said Borelli.

‘The third is also common,’ said Holmes. ‘Misdirection. You direct the audience’s attention to the wrong thing.’

‘Pah, you read in a book. Every fool thinks they understand this. But any faker on the street can make money with a shell game.’

Holmes carried on, undaunted. ‘Lock-picking is your fourth bird in hand, and here you pull ahead of your competition. I have read that regulation police handcuffs are child’s play to you.’

‘You think this is magic?’

‘No. It is a skill acquired with a great deal of practice and research. You are a master at picking most known locks. Even a Chubb, if I am not mistaken.’

‘You flatter me. But you miss the main point. Nothing can restrain me! Not just the locks. Ropes, chains, a straitjacket. Bandages wound around me like the mummy. I will escape from anything.’

‘Indeed, I have read of your exploits. You have been bound upside down. Hung off buildings. Underwater. Buried alive. However, your ankle cuffs tonight required your fifth skill.’

Borelli cried out in pain as I manipulated the broken ankle. ‘Finish quickly, you, Doctor!’ Then, to Holmes, ‘What fifth skill?’

Holmes continued, his enthusiasm growing, ‘Physical cultivation has turned you into a man of steel – but in addition, you are nearly double-jointed. An extremely rare combination.’

Borelli laughed. ‘Watch!’ he exclaimed. ‘The mirror, Ilaria!’ She picked up a large mirror and moved behind him so that we could easily see his back. Leaning forward he made the prayer sign over his heart, then circling his arms behind his back, made the identical sign behind his back, fingertips reaching skyward.

‘My God!’ I exclaimed. ‘That is impossible!’

‘And yet there it is,’ said Holmes. ‘Astonishing! May I touch your arm?’

Borelli looked up, startled at this. To my surprise he said, ‘Come. Touch. Marvel.’ He raised his arm as if displaying a trophy.

Holmes moved around to grasp Borelli’s upper arm. He felt the man’s biceps, nodding in admiration. Patted him on the back. ‘Like a rock. You are indeed an unusual specimen, sir!’

Borelli shrugged, nodding. ‘How long will this take to heal, Doctor?’

‘You must stay off of it for a month,’ said I. ‘After that—’