Already,' he explained to the children, 'he and I are as brothers, and his welfare is dear to me as my own.' 'He has told me,' the learned gentleman began, but Robert interrupted.
This was no moment for manners.
'Have you told him,' he asked the Priest, 'all about the Amulet ?' 'No,' said Rekh-mara.
'Then tell him now.

He is very learned.

Perhaps he can tell us what to do.' Rekh-mara hesitated, then told--and, oddly enough, none of the children ever could remember afterwards what it was that he did tell.

Perhaps he used some magic to prevent their remembering.
When he had done the learned gentleman was silent, leaning his elbow on the table and his head on his hand.
'Dear Jimmy,' said Anthea gently, 'don't worry about it.

We are sure to find it today, somehow.' 'Yes,' said Rekh-mara, 'and perhaps, with it, Death.' 'It's to bring us our hearts' desire,' said Robert.
'Who knows,' said the Priest, 'what things undreamed-of and infinitely desirable lie beyond the dark gates ?' 'Oh, DON'T,' said Jane, almost whimpering.
The learned gentleman raised his head suddenly.
'Why not,' he suggested, 'go back into the Past?
At a moment when the Amulet is unwatched.