Ron Goulart - The Curse of the Obelisk

THE CURSE OF THE OBELISK 91
CHAPTER 23
The Great Lorenzo tipped his top hat and six milk-white doves came fluttering out.
The enthusiastic audience in the packed Spielzeug Theater applauded.
"Tonight, ladies and gentlemen, I am pleased to introduce yet another brand-new and never
before seen illusion," he announced, winking in the direction of the box occupied by Harry and
Jennie. "Or is it an illusion? Can a man, a mere mortal, actually walk through solid stone? Attend
well, for you are about to witness what I call the Curse of the Obelisk illusion."
The houselights dimmed, the gilded curtains behind him slowly parted.
"Not a bad replica," said Jennie, nodding at the pinkish obelisk that stood in the spotlight,
flanked by two handsome young women in diaphanous and vaguely Egyptian gowns.
"Obelisks aren't my idea of entertainment," said Harry.
"Well, you can't blame Lorenzo for wanting to cash in on all the noteriety," she said. "The
obelisk is news."
."
"Thanks to you."
"And most of the newspapers around the world who picked up my stories."
". . . imprisoned within this solid granite, dear friends, and then bound with sturdy chains of . .
"We're going to have to leave before this final encore," reminded Harry, "to catch the last
express to Paris."
"He'll be hurt."
"Not Lorenzo. Romance is more important to him than magic or—"
A polite tapping sounded on the door of their private box.
Harry stood and opened the door.
A red-coated young usher stood there with two pale envelopes in his gloved hand. "Herr
Challenge?"
"Yep."
"Fraulein Barr?"
"As well."
"Cablegrams. Urgent. I am to remain in case of any replies."
"Thanks." Harry took the cables and gave the young man a half-gulden piece.
"Let's not open them just yet, Harry."
He shook his head, passed her message to her and opened his.
It was from his father and said: