The boy looked intently into the crystal for some moments, and then said, speaking in a measured and low voice,—
"I see a great room, in which there is a bed with rich hangings; pendant from the ceiling is a silver lamp. A tall dark man, with long hair, and a dagger in his belt, is bending over the bed with a cup in his hand."
"It is my wife's room," said Eustace in a whisper, "and it is no doubt the Italian; he is tall and dark."
The boy continued to look for some time into the crystal, but said nothing; then he turned to his master and said, "I can see nothing; some one more near to this gentleman must look; this other gentleman," he said suddenly, and turning to John Inglesant, "if he looks will be able to see."
The astrologer started. "Ah!" he said, "why do you say that, boy?"
"I can tell who will see aught in the crystal, and who will not," replied the boy; "this gentleman will see."
The astrologer seemed surprised and sceptical, but he made a sign to Inglesant to rise from his knees, and to take his place by the crystal.
He did so, and looked steadily into it for some seconds, then he shook his head.
"I can see nothing," he said.
"Nothing!" said the boy; "can you see nothing?"