Chapter Thirty Three. Put the Lime in the Coconut

Put the Lime in the Coconut

It wasn't that it would be so improbable that the marble would land in either the red or blue. It was just that they had become so accustomed to seeing both the white marble and the black (which had been the marbles Derby had transferred energy into while he worked them with his hands) to fall either in the black slot or the white slot.

Bai Ling said, "Umpa, didn't you say that Derby's marbles tend to be very Yang or Yin  and that they are attracted to the white and black notches in the wheel?"

"Yes," replied Umpa emphatically, "but honestly it is not to be considered unexpected that the white marble would fall in either red or blue. Under most circumstances, for most people their marbles would fall in the majority. I suppose my guess would have been that the Yang marble of Master Ripley would have been more likely to fall in the red than blue, but remember Bai Ling, this information is important for us to continue to understand him. Much magic resides in his balls!"

Bai Ling looked at Umpa carefully to see if he had intended to make her laugh or to throw her off guard. But Bai Ling was well trained in meditation and the martial arts, and was quite equipped to catch a slung dart and to return it to her target..."Umpa, who has more magic in his balls? You or Derby's deepest self?"

"Haha," burst Umpa. "Very good little one! But before I answer, have you checked the magic in your balls lately?"

Again Bai Ling received the dart, examined it and returned it at full speed. "I don't tell people about such things Master," she said coyly, "just as I wouldn't discuss any other fruits hanging from my person!"

"Enough mental gymnastics little one. Trust me, you need many more lessons to spar with me. For your information. Derby has more magic in his balls," said Umpa, almost with an edge of disappointment. "But, he won't have access to most of it for years to come! Now here is some magic for you my little flower!"

With that, Umpa flung a nearby vase through the air toward her. He managed to do this without touching it from the table, simply by swiping his finger as if he was slinging a bead on an abacus.

"Easy Teacher!" yelled Bai Ling as she caught the flying vase and gently set it on the table near her. "That is a delicate piece."

Without hesitating Umpa repeated his performance, this time slinging the white marble from the blue slot.

Again, Bai Ling caught it easily and held it in her hand. "What am I to do with Master Ripley's marble, Teacher?," Bai Ling asked of the smiling Buddha.

"Drop it in the vase," replied Umpa. "We have to learn a few more things before proceeding with his lessons.