“Why?”
“Because,” said the monk very low, “the vision was sent to me that you may be saved from disaster. The man attacked in the woods was yourself, Mr. Ayling!”
CHAPTER
7
A WARNING
If Father Benedict’s words disturbed the investigator, he gave no sign. Smiling, he said:
“I fear I am not a firm believer in the art of crystal gazing—all respect to your remarkable talent.”
The monk frowned as he carefully laid another log on the dying fire. “You will be unwise to disregard the warning,” he said. “Most unwise.”
“Warning?”
“I should interpret the picture as such, dear Mr. Ayling. Apparently, if you pursue your present course, you are certain to meet misfortune.”
“To what ‘present course’ do you refer?”
“That I would not know,” replied the monk coldly. “Now may I thank you for coming to our humble abode and bid you good afternoon? I have a formal meeting soon with members of my little family of believers and must nap for a few minutes. You will excuse me?”