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'The poppies,' said the Doctor. 'They're growing.'

'What do you mean, growing?' said Zoe. But even as she spoke she saw new blossoms springing into view, rising from the rich loam, sprouting petals. All around her new poppies were bursting out in bright clumps of colour. At first Zoe blinked, unable to believe it, but there was nothing wrong with her eyes. The poppies were soon a thick moist carpet of red with milky splashes of white. She could feel them crowding around her ankles, pressing against her calves. The soft rustling sound of their growth gradually made itself heard in the awe-struck silence.

'Extraordinary,' said the Doctor. 'I wonder what's causing it.' He

darted out of the bower then swiftly returned. 'Whatever's responsible for the accelerated growth is only operating on the poppies. None of the other plants seem to be affected.'

Zoe hitched Jamie's body further up against her own. His unmoving form was threatening to vanish under the swelling carpet of vegetation. 'We should get him out of here.'

Carnacki plunged his hands down into the swelling mass of flowers and picked one. 'This is magic,' he said, examining the flower's blind red face. 'Magic pure and simple.'

'Ancient Chinese sorcery perhaps,' said the Doctor.

Carnacki put the poppy in his buttonhole. 'What makes you say that?'

The Doctor looked at Zoe. 'Remember Canton, a hundred years ago? Perhaps the Imperial Astrologer knew what he was doing after all.'

Carnacki leaned in close to them. 'Are you saying you might know who is responsible for this extraordinary display Doctor?' 'Possibly.'

'And do you think this Imperial Astrologer chap might also be capable of conjuring up a demon? A supernatural assassin of some kind?' 'I wouldn't rule it out.'

'Then we have our answer,' said Carnacki. 'This Chinese astrologer has caused Roderick Upcott to awaken from the dead and slay his own descendants.'

'I don't think it can be as simple as that,' said the Doctor.

'Simple?' said Zoe. But she was too distracted to be properly annoyed at this ridiculous remark. Ever since Carnacki had uttered the words 'supernatural assassin' she'd thought she could hear the sound of soft footsteps approaching.

The Doctor looked up alertly. 'What's that?' he said, and Zoe realised that she was indeed hearing footsteps. Carnacki was still wearing his coat. Now he dug hastily in the pocket and pulled out his revolver. 'Someone's coming,' he murmured. The Doctor looked at the gun and said, 'I'm not sure that's such a good idea. You won't be able to use it on Celandine, will you?

'Damn you, Doctor,' said Carnacki, 'How many times must I repeat myself? It isn't Celandine.'

As it transpired, he was right. A figure paused at the entrance to the bower, ducked and entered. It was Elder-Main. He stared at the profusion of poppies in bewilderment. 'Lord. The cold air certainly hasn't affected these little beauties.' He looked at the Doctor. 'Mr Pemberton was afraid the draughts were going to play havoc with the growth, you know.'

Carnacki pocketed his revolver in exasperation. 'What are you doing here?' The Doctor replied on behalf of the butler. 'I asked him to report to me as soon as certain preparations were complete.' He looked at Elder-Main, his eyes glittering. 'Is everything ready?' 'Yes, sir. I've arranged the fireworks just like you said. And sprinkled around plenty of black powder and left the other barrels under the fireworks. If the whole lot was to go up at once there wouldn't be much left of that old spirit gate.'

'That's very much my idea,' said the Doctor, grinning toothily.

'Spirit gate?' said Carnacki. 'What are you up to Doctor?'

'I should imagine what I'm up to is pretty clear.' The Doctor smiled. 'You intend to blow it up?'

'I intend to blow it out of existence, with a little luck.' 'Are you sure that's advisable?'

The Doctor smiled wolfishly. 'We may not have a full explanation for the strange events which have taken place here.' He gestured towards the glass