‘That is too long,’ said Borelli. ‘I have many shows to perform.’

Holmes remained standing next to Borelli, ‘Will that splint hold, do you think, Watson?’ he asked, leaning over Borelli and tapping it.

‘Ah! Get away, you! And hurry, dottore, be finished,’ the magician demanded. Then, to Holmes, ‘What is number six, in the list, you are so smart?’

Holmes stepped back and crossed his arms. ‘Number six is your wife. Madame Borelli is your ace in the hole.’

Borelli shot a quick, dismissive glance at his wife. ‘Ilaria? She help me, of course. Some. But no.’

‘I am finished here, sir.’ I stood up. ‘Shall we be off, Holmes?’

‘You are not so smart, Mr Detective. Most people think they see my illusions, but they do not see,’ said Borelli.

‘Perhaps,’ said Holmes. ‘But I did see you pick Watson’s pocket as he examined you.’

‘Dario!’ exclaimed his wife. ‘What did you take? Show us!’

Borelli grinned at his wife and shrugged as if he had no idea what Holmes was on about.

I patted my pockets in alarm. ‘My keys! Mr Borelli, that is hardly sporting of you!’ I cried. ‘Give me those, sir!’

‘Shame, Dario, these men try to help you,’ said Madame. ‘Give the gentleman his keys!’

Borelli laughed, delighted at his little joke, then reached into his pocket. He stopped, surprised. He patted the other pockets in alarm. He looked up at Holmes and his eyes widened in shock.

There in Holmes’s hand were my keys! Holmes handed them to me. He’d stolen them from the thief himself.

I expected an explosion, but to my surprise, the arrogant fellow laughed. ‘Not too bad,’ he said. Then his laugh died in his throat. ‘Wait! What is that?’

Holmes was holding a hotel key in the air. ‘Yours, I believe, sir?’ Holmes handed Borelli his own key. The magician snatched it away.

Holmes turned to go, then paused, turning back. ‘And your handkerchief, sir?’ He flicked a white handkerchief from his pocket and held it in the air.

Madame Borelli took it, amused. Holmes patted his trouser pockets and pulled out a third item. ‘Oh dear me! And this Ace of Diamonds. I believe this is yours as well.’

He handed Borelli the playing card.

‘Get out,’ said the magician. ‘All of you.’

CHAPTER 10

A Lady’s Desire

We found ourselves ousted summarily and standing in the hallway, from which we had a view onto the empty stage. Madame Borelli rushed out, and taking Holmes’s arm said, ‘Oh, Mr Holmes, I am so sorry. I hope you will help us. Help me. Please, we will not tell Dario. You must find out who caused Santo Colangelo’s accident.’

Holmes looked at her strangely.

‘Colangelo’s? His cut finger is your concern, rather than the culprit behind tonight’s fiasco that nearly killed your husband?’

‘Yes … er … mainly, yes.’

I did not follow the lady’s reasoning. Nor did my friend, evidently.