I say, give him a
test."
"The test?" from Geos, in a hushed tone.
"Just that. There is none who knows the likeness of the Jarados;
none but the absent Avec. None among us has ever seen his image.
It is a secret to all save the High Rhamda. Yet, in cases like
this, well may the Leaf be opened."
Watson, wondering what was meant, listened closely to the prince
as he continued: "It is written that there are times when all may
see. Surely this is such a time.
"Now let this stranger describe the Jarados. He says that he had
seen him; that he is the Prophet's prospective son-in-law. Good!
Let him describe the Jarados to us!
"Then open the Leaf! If he speaks true, we shall know him to be
from the Jarados. If he fail, then I shall claim him for purposes
of my own."
Whatever the motives of the Senestro, he surely had the genius of
quick decision. Watson knew that the moment had come to test his
luck to the uttermost. There was but one thing to do; he did it.
He said to the Rhamda Geos, in a tone of the utmost indifference:
"I am willing."
Geos was distinctively relieved, "It is good, my lord. Tell us in
simple words. Describe the Jarados just as you have seen him, just
as you would have us see him. Afterwards we shall open the Leaf."
And in a lower tone: "If you speak accurately I shall be
vindicated, my lord. I doubt not that you are a better man than
the prince; but place your reliance in the Truth; it will be one
more proof of the occult, and of the Day approaching.
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