"I join the circus. We are certainly not going to learn anything by sitting
in the audience. While I am doing that we put the rest of the operation on
hold. James and Sybil, do I hear the sibilant hiss of your nanotechnology
business calling to you?"
"You do, Dad. This planet has been a lot of fun-but even the best vacation
must end. You will be going to work now and I feel that we should do the
same. But-even while it is back to work-we will keep the communications link
open and will be with you instantly if you need us."
"Grateful thanks. Bolivar-does the rough outback of the stars call you?"
"Not too loudly yet. Now that I am involved in banking I find it very
interesting. I want to learn as much as I can, then make a little money to
prove I know my business. And I want to know enough about the business so I
can come to your aid with my know-how when you need it. Time enough after
that for Sybill and me to get back to outer space."
"To work then!"
This time when I jumped to my feet I stayed there.
CHAPTER 3
"And just what talents do you plan to present to this circus that will
entice them to employ you? Acrobatics?" Angelina asked.
"Not quite-although I could if I tried."
"I am sure that you could. Despite. . ."
"Despite my advanced years?" I said in a cracked and ancient voice. Then
leapt into the air and clicked my heels together five times before I landed.
She applauded enthusiastically.
"I think I will do something less strenuous." I took a fivecredit coin from
my pocket and let it roll from finger to finger across the back of my hand.
"Magic. I have always been a keen amateur. And as a cardician-even more than
that."
"Cardician? I thought they just called it cheating at cards?"
"That is the technical term magicians use when referring to this particular
skill. I will demonstrate."
I took a sealed deck of cards from the shelf and tore off the wrapper.
Fanned them out, reassembled them, shuffled them enthusiastically and fanned
them out again on the table, backs up.
"Now choose a card, any card, that's it. Look at it. Right."
