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With a gesture, as the rew in speed and volu the plain brick of the theater’s back wall, which was a good distance from Max

“You could fit a plane on that stage,” Chu whispered

“Max did, five years ago,” Lovell corrected “But watch”

On the video, Max e where he could plainly be seen The light grew brighter, ure of Max the most prominent feature

The spotlight on Max was cut, as there was enough stage light so that he could easily be seen

“Ladies and gentle with me and my humble illusions For my finalé—an effect I call Prism”

He waved at one of the upstanding crystals, and it began to spin faster He gestured at the other dramatically and it did the same

“Watch closely,” Max cautioned “Don’t look away!”

He held the walking stick aloft, made a circle in front of himself with it…

And was gone

There was no explosion or pyrotechnics, no cloth to hide behind

Max merely disappeared

The orchestra hit a crescendo and ceased playing The e Then the entire stage went to black

As the audience applauded and cheered, the lights caers, dancers, and assistants as they all took a bow

Lovell hit the space bar and the ie froze “What did I tell you, eh?”