Part 12 (1/2)
”It is so written, David” The ht, we'll never ott will ferry you over--”
”Shan't we go together?”
”No,” said Rutton serenely; ”I ott?”
”Without Doggott; I wish hioing to ask you to do for me You are free to leave this country for several alleys of my 'analysis of Sanskrit Literature' just before I ca on my mind--or hands Go on”
”Wait” Rutton went a second time to the leather trunk, lifted the lid, and came back with two small parcels The one, which appeared to contain docuently on the fire, with the air of one who destroys that which is no longer of value to hian to flame and smoke and smoulder The other was several inches square and flat, wrapped in plain paper, without a superscription, and sealed with several heavy blobs of red wax
Rutton drew a chair close to A the sealsjourney, David,” he said slowly--”a long journey, to a far land, where you shall brave perils that I ainst It will put your friendshi+p to the test”
”I'm ready”
The elderthe back of what seeht, its face invisible to Amber, he studied it for severalin his eyes to soften the almost ascetic austerity of his expression ”In the end, if you live, you shall win a rich reward,” he said at length He placed the photograph face down upon the table
”How--a reward?”
”The love of a woman worthy of you, David”
”But----!” In consternation A over his chair
”But--Great Scott, man!”
”Bear with ed ”Sit down”
”All right, but----!” Aott are to seek her out, wherever she may be, and rescue her from what may be worse than death And it shall come to pass that you shall love one another and h you were a prince and she an enchanted princess in a fairy tale, David”
”I must say you seem pretty damn' sure about it!”
”It must be so, David; it shall be so! I ae there soift of second-sight So I knoill be so, though you think ive it up” Ahed uneasily ”Go on Where's this maiden in distress?”
”In India--I'm not sure just where You'll find her, however”
”And then----?”
”Then you are to bring her home with you, without delay”