"But in that case," Biff asked frankly, "why are you giving it to me?
Shouldn't you keep it for yourself?"
"It is my duty to pass it along," replied Mr. Chand solemnly, "and besides, I have noticed that the Light is losing some of its fire, which is a bad sign. See for yourself!"
He moved the ruby closer to Biff, who saw now that the gem was in a simple golden setting; but more important, just as Mr. Chand said, its sparkle had dwindled. Then, as Biff himself held the jewel, its wine-red depth kindled with new flame, so suddenly that Biff caught his breath.
"A good sign!" exclaimed Mr. Chand, closing the little case and thrusting it into the bag. "That proves it is in the hands where it belongs!" He pressed it into Biff's hands as he spoke. "So guard it well"—he paused and his fixed smile became whimsical for once—"or I should say, it will guard you well. We have just seen proof of that."
Evidently, Mr. Chand referred to the ruby's sudden glow, which was quite puzzling to Biff. But something else puzzled him still more.
"Why must I take this ruby to my father?"
"He will tell you when you see him," replied Mr. Chand. "The less I say, the better, now that I no longer have the ruby to protect me."
"And where will I find my father now?"
"In New Delhi. Go there, but do not contact his company except to ask for him by telephone. If he is not there, go to the United States Embassy, but be careful even then, as spies are watching everywhere. Trust only your father's voice as you did when you received the taped message that I sent you."
Biff nodded, recognizing the wisdom of all that. Then, thoughtfully, he remarked: