"You are impatient, my son."
"Yes, holy man. It is about my father. Can you help me save him?"
"I know. I know what has happened," said the Hindu. "Today the spirits that control my crystal are active, and I have seen everything."
"And will you bring Dad back safely?"
"Tomorrow you shall clasp his hand. Have no fear."
But Dick was not so easily quieted.
"He is in the power of a murderous scoundrel, a man who tried to kill me."
"Fear not, my son."
"Let me take the horses and go out with a party tonight."
"That would spoil everything! You would be lost in the forests. See, already the shadows are heavy in the jungle and before you could overtake him, it would be dark as the souls of evil men. Also the jungle is full of fierce beasts. The leopards, the lions and the crocodiles would destroy you."