|
When we had eaten and were left alone within closed doors, Hans and Itook
counsel together.
Never, I think, did twotragically separated relations have a
stranger meeting. That hole is too dark to see into, he said, presently, and
swarmeddown the shaft again.
We cannot get into theplace where the stone gate
is which you would destroy. Also, I did not wish it to stay where wemight never
see it again. According to his oath he carries it about him allday at his
girdle and sleeps with it at night.
Standing upon this point we saw in the
distance a number of movingspecks upon the water. Dramana assured us indeed
thatthis tree had a poisonous effect upon all other vegetation. Therefore, so
far as we were concerned thetask was impossible; that idea must be dismissed.
I
think alsothat I am to be sacrificed with you.
The lake might come over the
crest of the wall, I suggested. Hangme if I dont think you have got hold of the
right end of the stickthis time. According to his oath he carries it about him
allday at his girdle and sleeps with it at night. Fortunately some providence
warned me against giving way. Believing her explanations, I told her to rise,
and we set to work. However, I risked it and spoke to her, though doubtfully,
for Idid not like the look of her.
I suppose that the priests grew suspicious
andset one of their number to watch. Fromthat moment I became as ruthless as
Hans himself. There is also another thing, she went on.
So it came to this: if
we were to act at all, it must be at once. He who is called the Watcher of the
Gatehas one of his own.
As it happened there was a good deal to examine.
|
