Later Rex Carter was introduced to the Hindu seer, who received the wealthy business man with quiet dignity. Carter was impressed for though the Mahatma wore nothing but a saffron-colored loin cloth, he was as majestic as though he were clad in the robes of a king.
Dan explained how the wise man had come to Africa in search of an ancient crown, on which was the symbol of perfect wisdom.
At first Rex Carter was inclined to take it lightly, but when he learned that the diadem was probably the same one that Dick Oakwood had worn in the land of the Taharans, he could hardly restrain his impatience.
"I'll fly you there, today," he said. "By sundown we will all be in the realm of the Boy King."
"I accept your offer with thanks," said the Mahatma.
"And after that I'll take you to India. Any place you want to go!" continued Carter. "You have done more for my children than I can ever pay for. Pack up your belongings and we will take off for Tahara now."
"My belongings are here," said the Mahatma, displaying the square of black cloth which contained his crystal.
"Is that all you own?" The millionaire was startled.
"That is all. More would be a weight to drag me from the higher plane where my spirit dwells."
"That's all right for a Hindu sage, but it would be all wrong for an American business man," Rex Carter answered, thinking of his vast factory, his town house and country estate, his yacht and automobiles.