The Magical Peppers and the Great Vanishing Act. Sian Pattenden

would take good care of it,” promised Monty.

      “It sounds perfect,” said Potty, holding out his hand. “Let’s shake on it, Mr Henry. This is going to blow the Queen’s socks off.”

      Henry seemed delighted. “I’ve always thought that with other rivals – I mean, other magicians – the best thing is to pool ideas.”

      Esmé noticed Henry J. Henry suddenly blush and trail off. Did he just say rivals? Surely he didn’t see Potty as competition any more? Mr Henry was a successful museum curator, not an entertainer.

      “Can we see this crystal skull?” asked Monty.

      “Yes, I will have to check it for size and weight,” said Potty.

      “We can go and look at it now, if you like,” said Henry, regaining his composure. “I can show you the Wealth and Wisdom Zone, which houses the Royal Collection.”

      “Marvellous,” said Potty, guiding the children with his long arms as Henry led the way. The throbbing mass of cleaners, who were busy sweeping and polishing the floor, simultaneously parted as Henry walked through the main hall.

      “He seems most enthusiastic. A fine fellow,” Uncle Potty murmured to the twins.

      Monty nodded.

      “Glance upwards, young sports!” Henry called to the Peppers, walking behind him. In so doing, Esmé and Monty both saw a number people in white lab coats dangling from the ceiling. They were also armed with broomsticks and were trying to polish the ceiling. No expense, it seemed, had been spared for this royal opening.

An excerpt from TRICK: Magic Bottle

      Kindly and in your best loud voice, ask for a volunteer from the audience. Show him or her an empty bottle, then drop drop drop your magic wand inside, noting how easily it falls in.

      Your volunteer will gasp “Crikey!” as you turn the bottle upside down and the wand magically remains suspended inside.

      The clue is in a dark-coloured bottle and a pencil eraser that you have in your pocket. After you have shown your volunteer the empty bottle, slip the eraser inside it without anyone seeing – you must practise your sleight of hand skills here. Drop the wand into the bottle and push it into the eraser.