Page:SheAndAllan.pdf/172

160 I unfolded the sheet and read Arabic words which meant, Weapons, Cleaver-of-Rocks, One-at-whom-dogs-bark-and-children-wail.

The last two are near enough, she said, but the first is wrong.

Nay, Ayesha, since in this man'’s tongue the word Zikali means Weapons ; intelligence at which she clapped her hands as a merry girl might, do. The man, I went on, is without doubt a great doctor, one who sees and knows things that others do not, but I do not understand why this token carved in his likeness should have power, as you say it has.

Because with it goes his spirit, O Allan. Have you never heard of the Egyptians, a very wise people who, as I remember, declared that man has a Ka  or Double, a second self, that can either dwell in his statue or be sent afar?

I answered that I had heard this.

Well the Ka  of this Zikali goes with that hideous image of him, which is perhaps why you have come safe through many dangers and why also I seemed to dream so much of him last night. Tell me now, what does Zikali want of me whose power he knows very well?

An oracle, the answer to a riddle, O Ayesha.

Then set it out another time. So you desire to see the dead, and this old dwarf, who is a home of wisdom, desires an oracle from one who is greater than he. Good. And what are you, or both of you, prepared to pay for these boons? Know, Allan, that I am a merchant who sell my favours dear. Tell me then, will you pay?

I think that it depends upon the price, I answered cautiously. Set out the price, O Ayesha.

Be not afraid, O cunning dealer, she mocked. I do not ask your soul or even that love of yours which you guard so jealously, since these things I could take without the asking. Nay, I ask only what a brave and honest man may give without shame: your help in war, and perhaps, she added with a softer tone, your friendship. I think, Allan, that I like you well, perhaps because you remind me of another whom I knew long ago.

I bowed at the compliment, feeling proud and pleased at the prospect of a friendship with this wonderful and splendid creature, although I was aware that it had many dangers. Then I sat still and waited. She also waited, brooding.