A momentary flicker of satisfaction crossed the astrologer's crafty face.
"As certain, noble sir," he replied emphatically, "as that the sand in the hour glass of thine enemy's fortune hath all but emptied itself into the lower vessel."
"Then I will be there," decided Prasad, "at the appointed place and hour."
"Good, noble Lord," exclaimed the astrologer. "Be assured I, too, will keep my part of the agreement. Hast thou taken the medicinal pills regularly"? he asked with professional concern.
"To the devil with all pills and ointments," retorted Prasad. "My stomach yearns for other diet."
"Nevertheless, sir," enjoined the astrologer in his character of physician. "They possess among other virtues that of stimulating the heart with courage."
"I want no such stimulants," retorted Prasad. "An enchanting form ever present in my mind is stimulant enough for any act requiring courage. If they would only assist me in controlling my impatience for the hour to come, then I might regard them as of some benefit."
"That they will also do, noble sir," asserted the astrologer. "Their extraordinary value lies in the fact that they are beneficial for any bodily or mental ailment."
"Then they must be as remarkable in virtue as they are in price," returned Prasad tersely.
He took a jewel from his turban and handed it to the astrologer.