"Boloney!" said Dan in a low tone that Mahatma missed, but he saw the look of disbelief on the boy's face.
"Dan Sahib does not believe that I speak true. I will show him!"
Dan was about to make a flippant retort but Dick gave him a threatening look.
Dick's face was alight with interest. He had heard of the Hindu Yogi who spend many years among the wise men of Tibet, who are supposed to hold all the wisdom of the world in their keeping. Was Mahatma Sikandar one of these? Dick hoped so, for he had always wanted to study occultism and hoped to learn something of it first hand. He was watching the Hindu earnestly and at the first chance he said:
"Can you really see what has not yet happened? It is true that we are on our way to rescue a princess of the Taharans. But tell us, Mahatma Sikandar, will we arrive in time to save her?"
"Veena is safe at present," replied the Hindu.
"But how do you know that?" interrupted Dan impatiently. "You may have been able by mind reading to guess our names, but you can't tell me that there is anything in this fortune telling."
The Mahatma's eyes flashed fire for a second, then he became calm once more and turned to Dick, ignoring Dan's outburst.
"I have heard of occultism," said Dick. "But I want to learn more. I would like to have you instruct me."
"It is a long hard way, Dick Sahib. Many lives are needed to gain wisdom. I will show you."