I had plenty of time to note these details, for he stood a full minute in the middle of the room, as if deciding whether to remain or to go.

Then he moved quietly to a divan and sat down cross-legged.
"Abdul, you have done a good deed to-day, and I trust you will not change your mind before you have carried out your present intentions." "I never change my mind, Bam Lai," said Isaacs, smiling as he quoted his visitor's own words.

I was startled at first.

What good deed was the Buddhist referring to if not to the intended liberation of Shere Ali?
How could he know of it?
Then I reflected that this man was, according to Isaacs' declaration, an adept of the higher grades, a seer and a knower of men's hearts.

I resolved not to be astonished at anything that occurred, only marvelling that it should have pleased this extraordinary man to make his entrance like an ordinary mortal, instead of through the floor or the ceiling.
"Pardon me," answered Ram Lal, "if I venture to contradict you.