"The ruby is sparkling now," said Biff, "but it changes sometimes and turns dull. That worried Diwan Chand."
"Due probably to the setting," observed Mr. Brewster with a smile. "If moisture gets beneath the gem, it detracts from the sparkle, but only temporarily."
"I am glad to hear that." The Chonsi Lama smiled, as he took back the ruby. "I notice that its glow has lessened, and I do not care for bad omens."
As he placed the ruby in his robe, the Chonsi Lama turned to Biff again.
"Your father told me much about you," he said. "That was one reason why I wanted you to bring the ruby, as it was a good way to meet you. But we weren't quite ready to tell the world that I am now the Chonsi Lama. At last we can declare it."
He turned to one of the robed dignitaries.
"Usher in the others," he ordered. Then, as an afterthought, he added,
"Bring the boys in first."
As Biff and his father stepped to one side, Mr. Brewster quietly explained that the former Chonsi Lama had died a few years after his visit to Leh, some twenty years before.
"He gave orders to keep his death a secret," explained Biff's father, "until times became less troubled. So a boy who was born at the time the old Lama died was chosen to succeed him. He grew up on the throne, and there he is now. I was as much surprised as you when I met him."
More surprises were due. As Biff's friends were ushered in, they looked as awed as Biff had been when he approached the throne. Awe turned to amazement when the boy Lama greeted them each by name and gave them the same winning smile that he had shown Biff.