“You expect to find him!” exclaimed Adasse, in a startled tone. “Ah, my friend, you seek death in even speaking of it, should one of the faithful hear you. Many rash explorers and adventurers have ventured to pass the gates of Lhassa. They have never returned.”
The speaker as well as the young airman started as a voice behind them uttered a sharp intelligent sound. It proceeded from Faiow, who, unheeded by them, had been moving about the room. Looking up, Dave saw the man with his eyes fixed upon the photograph.
“Speak to him,” said Dave, quickly. “I believe that picture suggests something to him.”
Adasse directed some questions in the native tongue to Faiow, and there was quite a colloquy between them. Then the Russian turned to his guest with the words:
“He knows the man. He has seen him.”
“Where? when?” inquired Dave, eagerly.
“He does not tell. He says he will take you where you, too, may see him.”
“Take me into Lhassa?” asked Dave, wonderingly.
“Yes. His gratitude towards you is almost fanatical. Let me question further.”
It was at the end of a second conversation with the native that Adasse imparted some new information to the young aviator.