But Dick Oakwood bowed toward the tree. "We thank you, Mahatma Sikandar for your protection."
But before Dick could speak further, Sikandar went on in his clipped English.
"The young Sahib has come far. The journey was full of frightful dangers, and Dick Sahib has done this for the sake of a girl he does not love. That much I see."
"And that is true, Mahatma Sikandar. But how did you know it?" asked Dick.
"He must be a mind reader. Or maybe it is black magic!" said Dan in an undertone.
As they talked, the warriors of the Taharans and Gorols glared suspiciously at the black men; their hands were on their weapons ready to fight. Raal tried to quiet them, feeling that the Boy King could be trusted. He watched Dick's face but it showed no sign of fear or uneasiness. Therefore, he, as Dick's chief warrior, need not be afraid. He dismounted and drew near to Dick.
But the Boy King had his eyes on the screen of vines above the path. At first he could see nothing but the mass of green, but finally through the foliage he saw two shining eyes staring at him. Then the leaves parted and Mahatma Sikandar's whole head appeared. It was a broad good-natured face with a luxuriant grey beard. His dark eyes were smiling.
"Why he looks exactly like Santa Claus," exclaimed Dan, "Merry Christmas, old scout!"
The old man ignored this remark from Dan. His head suddenly disappeared and a few minutes later the Hindu had dropped from the tree and was walking toward them.
"Now perhaps Dan Sahib will believe that I am human," he said extending his hand, English fashion.