Devant picked up a circular blade from behind the box and inserted it quickly through the women’s waists. “Okay girls, revenge time.” He said and his striped assistants stepped forward and gave the upper section a mighty tug. It span round and round with the Ladies upper halves in it and eventually came to rest. However it didn’t take Linda and Jane long to realise they were on the wrong side. Devant pulled out the blade and opened the cabinet and his volunteers stepped out only now Jane wore the short black skirt and Linda had the trousers, and of course the corresponding legs inside.
“Hey,” said Linda, “You can’t leave us like this.”
“Yeah, you have to give us our own legs back.” Cried Jane as the audience clapped and laughed.
“Okay, okay. If you insist.” said Devant, and he reopened the cabinet. Jane and Linda stepped back inside and the box was closed. Once again Devant pushed the blade through the slot and rotated the ladies top halves to above the right positions.
“So ladies,” He said, “If I give you your legs back do you promise not ask for anything else?”
“No danger of that!” exclaimed Jane, and Linda said something along those lines.
“Okay then. Here goes.” said Devant “and remember your promise.”
Both ladies suddenly realised they had been duped somehow but before they could complain Devant got hold of their legs and span them around under their bodies before pulling out the blade with a flourish. He opened the box and both women stumbled out with the right legs, only now they were on backwards.
Before they could complain, music started and the stage lights went off. Devant led them offstage in the darkness. Once back in the wings, he thanked them both for taking part and said, “Don’t worry, you’ll be restored before you leave tonight. Just come to the stage at closing and we’ll get you sorted. And as a thank you please accept these tickets for free entry to the next show and don’t worry, you won’t be asked to help again.”
You finally finish applauding and cheering as the house lights come back up, the legs bring fresh drinks to the table and you sit down to chat for the rest of the night. Occasionally Devant appears at the tables and performs minor miracles and card tricks for those seated. You watch in wonder as cards change places and coins disappear impossibly. Occasionally you glance across at the bar and the two strange women who are sat there talking on barstools, but their legs face away.
You look down at your own legs, wrapped in sheer black nylon and expensive high heels and think, ‘I hope he picks me next time.’