Page:The History of a Lie (1921).djvu/32

 “‘Yes, that is correct. Have you not yet given up your desire?’

“‘Less than ever before! You would render science an invaluable service.’

“‘Listen, doctor, bend down a little over the rail; that of which we speak must not be heard even by the waves of the Moldau, if we wish to remain alive.’

“The young scientist looked in astonishment at his comrade, but did as he desired.

“‘Three years ago, in Rome, when I promised to acquaint you with the mysteries of the Caballah, I did it more for the sake of boasting of a power and authority which, in reality, I did not possess. Although I had studied for some time the traditions of my nation, rather out of curiosity than because of the love of knowledge, I knew very well that I could hardly penetrate the corridor of those mysteries which I am still regarding as the sophistry and roguishness of exalted minds, invented for the purpose of holding fools in fear and subordination. But several accidental discoveries, made by me since then, have changed my views and have aroused in me a sense of curiosity.

“‘You know, notwithstanding our brief acquaintance, that I am not the type of man who would abandon a clue or a conceived plan. What has caused me to make you my companion in satisfying my curiosity—that does not concern you. It is enough that now we have an opportunity to satisfy our mutual desire, and all depends on whether you will agree to accept the conditions upon which I can make you a partner in my investigation.’

“‘If these are not against honor and conscience.’

“‘In this respect you have nothing to risk, you are rather risking something else—your life. Do you feel that you are capable of facing a serious danger?’

“‘For the sake of science, yes!’

“‘Very well, in that case I must tell you that I will lead you to a place which we will not leave alive, if our presence is discovered. The slightest suspicion that we were uninvited witnesses of the secret will bring upon us persecution which will kill us sooner or later.’

“‘You are whetting my curiosity, signor!’

“‘That is all I wanted to tell you. The other thing—you