I shall not attempt to describe the amazing series of tricks which
he performed. His hands and fingers seemed to move like lightning.
Among other things, I remember he took up a cover from a table
near-by. He held it up before us. Instantly it seemed that a flock
of pigeons flew out of it around the room. How he did it I don't
know. They were real pigeons, however, and the trick brought down
the house.

Long Sin bowed.

Another of his feats which I recall was nothing less than kindling
a fire on a small bit of tin and, as the flames mounted, he
deliberately stepped into them, apparently as unharmed as a
salamander.

So it went from one thing to another. The entertainment was
brilliant in itself, but Long Sin seemed to put the finishing
touch to it. In fact, I suppose that it was a couple of hours that
he continued to amuse us.

He had finished and every one crowded about him to congratulate
him on his skill. His only answer, however, was his inscrutable
smile.

"This is wonderful, wonderful," I repeated as I happened to meet
Elaine alone. We walked into the conservatory while the guests
were crowding around Long Sin. She seated herself for the first
time during the evening.