Page:SheAndAllan.pdf/170

158  though I may laugh at lies and pass them by when they have to do with the eternal sword-play which Nature decrees between man and woman, until these break apart or, casting down the swords, seek arms in which they agree too well, when they have to do with policy and high purpose and ambition's ends, why then I avenge them upon the liar.

Now I hesitated, as what I had to tell her seemed so foolish, indeed so insane, while she waited patiently as though to give me time to shape my thoughts. Speaking at last because I must, I said,

I come to ask you, O Ayesha, to show me the dead, if the dead still live elsewhere.

And who told you, O Allan, that I could show you the dead, if they are not truly dead? There is but one, I think, and if you are his messenger, show me his token. Without it we do not speak together of this business.

What token? I asked innocently, though I guessed her meaning well enough.

She searched me with her great eyes, for I felt, and indeed saw them on me through the veil, then answered,

I think—nay, let me be sure, and half rising from the couch, she bent her head over the tripod that I have described, and stared into what seemed to be a crystal bowl. If I read aright, she said, straightening herself presently, it is a hideous thing enough, the carving of an abortion of a man such as no woman would care to look on lest her babe should bear its stamp. It is a charmed thing also that has virtues for him who wears it, especially for you, O Allan, since something tells me that it is dyed with the blood of one who loved you. If you have it, let it be revealed, since without it I do not talk with you of these dead you seek.

Now I drew Zikali's talisman from its hiding-place and held it towards her.

Give it to me, she said.

I was about to obey when something seemed to warn me not to do so.

Nay, I answered, he who lent me this carving for a while, charged me that except in emergency and to save others, I must wear it night and day till I returned it to his hand, saying that if I parted from it fortune would desert me. I believed none of this talk and tried to be rid of it, whereon death drew near to me from a snake, such a snake as I see you