human
These are the magic signs! he cried.
gpt
Behold the wisdom of the ages engraved by seers many thousand years ago!
human
Do you understand it, Mahatma?
gpt
Then what good will it do you?
human
I have recorded every detail of the inscription _here_. The old man tapped his forehead.
gpt
The picture of that crown is in my brain like a photograph. Soon I shall go to Holy India and there in the remote caves and temples, I shall speak to the masters who are far wiser than I.
human
And will those wise men tell you what it all means?
gpt
Little by little! Bit by bit! replied the Mahatma.
human
Each of these holy men will be able to interpret a part of the meaning. I shall visit the cave hermits in the Himalayas and the devotees in the temples, who recline on beds of spikes. I shall even go to the fastness of Tibet, where the lamas spend their lives in the search for truth.
gpt
The temples of India! The Himalayas, with Everest the highest mountain in the world! The forbidden land of Tibet! What wonderful sights you will see!
human
Would you like to see Holy India, my son?
gpt
Would I? Say, I'd like nothing better than to be there with you! exclaimed Dick.
human
It would be a real adventure to visit that land of mystery.
gpt
The crystal has told me that you shall accompany me, said the Hindu.
human
And that before many moons.
gpt
Do you mean it?
human
I have spoken.
gpt
But what about my kingdom? How can I leave these people? They trust me. They need me.
human
Raal is a strong warrior, said the Mahatma.
gpt
He can rule while you are gone, and Kulki, the clever Gorol can be his chief adviser.
human
I hate to go away and leave them to the mercy of Arab slave raiders, said Dick.
gpt
After all, being a king, means responsibility. Suppose Jess Slythe should start another raid while I am gone. He could wipe out the whole population.
human
That evil man will not trouble your land. Certainly not for a long time. Perhaps never. So you are free to fly in the great plane and see the wonders of Holy India.
gpt
Great! exclaimed Dick.
human
And what about Ray and Dan? Will they come too?
gpt
My crystal says they will be with us. Also your father and Rex Carter.
human
I'd like to take Kurt and Kurul along, said Dick.
gpt
It would be interesting to have Stone-Age men in the party. I'd like to know what they would do in the great world beyond the desert and the jungle.
human
What will be, will be, answered the Mahatma quietly.
gpt
And now, my son, this is my request to you: say no more to me about the ancient crown and the symbols engraved on it. The image is clear in my mind. By talking about it, the sharp outline will become dim and cloudy. Promise!
human
Yes, Mahatma, I promise. Until you speak of it, I remain silent.
gpt
Come then. Let us go!