I wondered very much on my way north why I was not
molested, for I did not fail to see that the death of the man in
Nagpur was connected with the fact that he had divulged to me
some of the secrets of the religion of Fire-Tongue. Indeed, it
was from him that I first learned the name of the high priest of
the cult of Fire. Why I was not molested I learned later.
"But to return to Vadi, my Brahmin guide. We had camped for the
night in the shadow of one of those giant tors which I have
mentioned. The bearers were seated around their fire at some
little distance from us, and Vadi and I were consulting
respecting our route in the morning, when I decided to take him
into my confidence. Accordingly:
"'Vadi,' I said, 'I know for a positive fact that we are within
ten miles of the secret Temple of Fire.'
"I shall never forget the look in his eyes, with the reflection
of the firelight dancing in them; but he never moved a muscle.
"'The sahib is wise,' he replied.
"'So is Vadi,' said I. 'Therefore he knows how happy a thousand
pounds of English money would make him. It is his in return for a
sight of the Temple.'
"Still as a carven image, he squatted there watching me,
unmoving, expressionless. Then:
"'A man may die for nothing,' he returned, softly. 'Why should
the sahib pay a thousand pounds?'
"'Why should the sahib die?' said I.
"'It is forbidden for any to see the Temple, even from a
distance.
Pages:
218
219
220
221
222
223
224
225
226
227
228
229
230
231
232
233
234
235
236
237
238
239
240
241
242