Dick started to say that he had placed it in the cave of the Great Gorol, the Ape-god in the land of the Gorols. Then it occurred to him that if Mahatma were told, he would lose all interest in helping rescue the captives. It would be better to hold the secret until Ray and his father were saved and Veena restored to Raal.
"Patience, patience, O Mahatma Sikandar," said Dick softly.
"Patience! You preach patience to me?"
"Yes, O wise man. For until you have set free the captives I seek, you shall never learn where the crown is hidden."
"But you must tell me."
"Later. After the battle."
"But suppose you should be killed?"
"Then my secret perishes with me. You shall never see King Solomon's crown and you shall never read the words of highest wisdom."
"Attaboy!" exclaimed Dan. "You've got the Mahatma where you want him, Dick. Make him set Ray free, or tell him nothing."
The Mahatma tightened his lips to keep back an angry retort and then spoke gently: