I shuddered, but made no answer. I was not my friend’s keeper. Mad or sane, he was a free agent according to his own statement, and I had no word of pleading or protest to offer which had not been already spoken. The die was cast. Maurice must go his own road.
Now as I raised my eyes I saw him descending, and found myself lost in wonder at the calm, determined look which overspread his handsome face.
First came old Padma, bearing in his hand an object which looked like a huge, golden ear-trumpet. Maurice followed, his black cloak trailing on the stones as he descended. Mr. Mirrikh came last, looking precisely as he always did.
As they advanced, the yellow lamas arranged themselves on either side of the altar, three and three, for Ni-fan-lu now joined the others. The Doctor and I alone seemed out of place. Now Maurice saw us at last and breaking away rushed toward me.
“Oh, George! My friend!” he burst out; “it is only you who stands between me and the most supreme happiness at this moment! I feel so sorry for you, George!”
I drew him aside and spoke for his ear alone; nor did any one show the slightest disposition to interfere.
“Is there nothing that I can say to move you, my boy? I whispered, controlling myself to an extent I would not have believed possible a moment before.
“Nothing, old friend, nothing.”
“What has this man told you that you are holding back? What is it that gives you the courage to pursue this mad adventure to its end?”
“I cannot reveal it, George—I have sworn not to. One thing I will say though, and I want you to understand it definitely. I shall be back here inside of a month—he has promised it, and you, George, must promise me to wait.”
“Maurice,” I answered, pressing his hand most affectionately, “I swear to you that so long as your body remains in the condition of the bodies in those boxes, I shall never leave it until I, myself, depart for that undiscovered country from whose bourne no traveler returns.”
“I knew it, old fellow! I knew it! But for you, George, I could not muster up the courage.”
“Not that I expect, if you persist in your purpose, ever to see your body reanimated,” I added sadly; “but while
