Page 31 (1/2)

“Can we trust the Westerners?” the Dalai Lama asked

The oracle bent his knees and strutted around in a circle When facing the Dalai La they want; our gift of this will help strengthen the friendship Our power is returning—our home is near”

Then all at once, as if a gust of wind had blown the skeleton froround in a heap His assistants ran over and untied the helan to bathe the oracle with cool water, but it was alain

13

“ONLINE,” the corporation technician whispered

On board the Oregon, a radio operator adjusted his receiver The sound of a h his headset He flipped a switch to a recorder, then keyed his microphone

“Okay,” he said, “we’re recording”

Cliathered up the li on the bushes When he had finished the job and loaded the rented truck with the debris, it was just past lunchti around to the service entrance, he handed a bill to the er of the mansion Then he walked back to the truck and drove away

Back on the Oregon, the radio operator monitored the conversation in thee at any moment

BELOWDECKS in the Magic Shop, the band was rehearsing Kevin Nixon motioned for them to stop, then adjusted the control panel

“All right,” he said, “froain”

Murphy started stru bars of the Creedence Clearwater Revival song “Fortunate Son” filled the shop The rest of the band added their parts Halpert’s voice was surprisingly good After being washed through the coinal His ood as well—unlike those of most of the band

Cabrillo on the keyboards came off as Liberace on methamphetamines Kasihtly better—he kept his eyes closed and strued to tap his foot in tie it looked like he was notwas finished

“It’s not bad,” he adest you raphy”

Three hours later, the band was as ready as they would ever be