human
Can you really see what has not yet happened? It is true that we are on our way to rescue a princess of the Taharans. But tell us, Mahatma Sikandar, will we arrive in time to save her?
gpt
Veena is safe at present,
human
But how do you know that? interrupted Dan impatiently.
gpt
You may have been able by mind reading to guess our names, but you can't tell me that there is anything in this fortune telling.
human
I have heard of occultism, said Dick.
gpt
But I want to learn more. I would like to have you instruct me.
human
It is a long hard way, Dick Sahib. Many lives are needed to gain wisdom. I will show you.
gpt
He's a crystal gazer! exclaimed Dan.
human
Read your fortune for seventy-five cents. It's all the bunk!
gpt
Look into the crystal and tell us what you see. Is Veena being treated badly? Where is she?
human
She is well treated even though she is kept prisoner, for a white man is bargaining for her sale.
gpt
What's _his_ name? asked Dan, giving Dick a poke in the ribs and with an elaborate wink whispered,
human
I bet the old fakir can't answer a direct question.
gpt
The name of the white scoundrel is Slythe, Jess Slythe. He is a bad man and will in his next life be less than the worms. Thus it is written.
human
Attaboy, Old Whiskers! said Dan.
gpt
Now you're talking! I don't wish Jess Slythe any bad luck but I'm hoping everything you say comes true.
human
Come here, Raal! And as the warrior obeyed, Dick talked to him kindly.
gpt
Don't worry, Raal. This man, Mahatma Sikandar, is a very great witch-doctor. He can see things hidden from men and gods. By his magic, looking through that sacred ball which he holds so tightly in his hand, he can see everything that goes on in the world. He says that he can see into the village of the Muta-gungas.
human
Speak O Master! What does he see?
gpt
He sees Veena, who is kept a prisoner. She is not dead, as you feared, but is being held for a big bargain with Chief Mobogoma, just as Kulki told us. Jess Slythe is asking a big price for the white princess.
human
How far away is she, O Tahara?
gpt
The village is a day's march from here.
human
Then let us go at once, O Master. The bargain may be made quickly and after she is once in the hands of Mobogoma, she will be lost to us. Hurry, O Tahara!
gpt
Yes, Raal, we will go soon, answered Dick.
human
And perhaps Mahatma Sikandar will ask one of his tribesmen to guide us in the shortest way!
gpt
I will take counsel with my chief and it will be decided,
human
Not so fast, Dick! There is plenty of time. Dan rubbed his stomach,
gpt
Don't you smell the eats? That fruit and water we got a little while ago was just an appetizer. I'm hungry as a bear!
human
Not thus does a man gain wisdom, muttered the Mahatma.
gpt
It is by fasting and meditation.
human
The men are tired and hungry, Raal. Some of them are weak from the long journey. Mahatma Sikandar, the wise man, has ordered a feast to be set before us. After that we will go and the men will be better able to stand the march when their stomachs are full. Is that not true, Raal?
gpt
Yes, O Master, I know you speak the truth but my heart is heavy for fear that harm will come to Veena.
human
Tell Raal, the great warrior, that the little princess is safe. Before two days are gone she will be under the protection of her own people. Do not fear.
gpt
Rest, my friends, and eat for the journey is hard and beset with many dangers.
human
What do you see, Master? asked Dick again seating himself beside the Hindu.
gpt
Shall we have to fight?
human
Yes, Dick Sahib, before two days are gone you will have to fight for someone you love dearly.
gpt
I do not see clearly. A fog shuts out the sight. It is not meant that you should know. I cannot see!
human
Say Dick, don't put any stock in all that talk. I never thought you'd fall for a lot of bunk like that. How can he tell, by looking into a glass ball, what is going to happen?
gpt
Dan Sahib has still to learn what sorrow is. He will learn that lesson soon. That much I see.
human
What does he mean, Dick?
gpt
There you've done it, scolded Dick.
human
We might have learned something that would help us. Instead of that, you insult him, and it's all off!