The "Rajah" considered this idea long and carefully.
Then he said slowly, and as if speaking to himself: "If the world collapses, will my kingdom be destroyed too? The mountains and the temples, the forests and the towns, will they all fall in ruins?"
Michael Petroff nodded, laughing maliciously. "I suppose so!"
And now the "Rajah" nodded too. He bowed his head slowly several times. "All my subjects would be destroyed?" he asked, and nodded. He rose and shook his head. "No," he said solemnly, gazing at Michael Petroff. "That must not be! We cannot allow it."
The "Rajah" turned away. Through the sunshine he walked, slowly and with dignity, back to the ward.
Michael Petroff looked after him. He smiled and shook his head. "What a curious being he is though!" said he, laughing. And when he heard his own laughter, he laughed again, loudly and gaily and snapped his fingers. Ha, ha, ha!
But the "Rajah" went to Engelhardt's room and informed him that he had decided to give up his own soul to him. "If the Gods deign to accept my sacrifice."
Engelhardt, who lay in his bed as if he were already dead, opened his eyes and looked at the "Rajah."
"Will you?" he gasped, while his hands and face twitched convulsively.
"Yes."