He touched a knob upon the wall; and immediately my sight was dazzled with the bright white light, which flooded the passage.
“Come forth!” said the Doctor.
I obeyed, trembling, and stood with him in the cylindrical chamber. I looked up; and the great, white, rugged face came into my vision, and filled it. But I could not endure his piercing gaze, which searched into my soul.
“I am not willing to have you put to death,” said he at last. “Nay, look on me! Lo, your life is in my hands, and I spare it! You have transgressed my weightiest command, and I pardon you! Only swear to me, that you will not divulge to any man the secret of the path, nor throw out the slightest hint as to the treasure!”
“I pass my word on it,” said I, looking him in the face.
“So. I will set my shining mark upon you.”
He took from an inner pocket of his robe a tiny box wrought out of a single ouch of emerald; and, having opened it, he dipped his finger within, and strook it on me, from my chin and jowl round to the back of my neck.
“Get you gone,” said he, “and return no more!”
And he looked upon me terribly, and pointed to the trapdoor.
I stepped to the ladder, and began to climb. I was amazed; my thoughts run in a whirl. The power of the man’s personality overshadowed me. One thing alone I perceived: I had found favour in his sight. But, with the thought, came another. I would build upon that favour to make intercession for Ambrose. I stayed my ascent, and looked down. Doctor Copicus stood observing me; and there was a strange, lamentable look in his eyes.