"I would not go! Forward is the only way," King interrupted. "You've a reason for not having us two men killed. What is it?"
"I have no reason whatever for preserving this one's life," the Mahatma answered, glancing at me casually. "For reasons beyond my power of guessing he seems to bear a charmed existence, but he has my leave to visit the next world, and his departure would by no means inconvenience me. But you are another matter."
"How so?" King asked. "Mr. Ramsden is the man who would be inquired for. The Indian Government, whose servant I no longer am, might ignore me, but the multi-millionaire who is Mr. Ramsden's partner would spend millions and make an international scandal."
"I am thinking of you, not of him. I am thinking you are honest," said the Gray Mahatma, looking into King's eyes.
"So is he," King answered.
"I am wondering whether or not you are honest enough to trust me," said the Gray Mahatma.
"Why certainly!" King answered. "If you would commit yourself I would trust you. Why not?"
"But this man would not," said the Mahatma, nudging me as if I were the elephant.
"I trust my friend King," I retorted. "If he decides to trust you, I stand back of him."
"Very well then, let us exchange promises."