"Truly so grand a mien could belong to none but the son of a king, and so beautiful a lady, could be none other than a princess," said the man.
"Thou rascal," said Nicholas; but adding, more prudently, "Canst thou be honest, and serve us?"
"For ever, O noble youth," replied the innkeeper.
"Trust not so small a mouse," said Chow.
"The innkeeper shall be rewarded according to his merits. Let him conduct his guest to the merchants of the town, and he shall receive some silver," said Nicholas, quitting the house with the man, who led him to the various dealers and merchants, from whom he purchased a camel, a mule, a tent, provision, and in short all things necessary for a long journey overland.
When he had made these purchases, he whispered some secret instruction in the ear of Chow, and sent him with the animals and articles back to the inn; after which he said, "Will the worthy innkeeper open his lips in a temple, and promise to keep to himself the secret he has discovered?"
"Truly the noble youth does not doubt that the words of his servant are straight?" replied the man, evasively.
"The worthy innkeeper must do this, or forfeit these two ounces of silver," replied Nicholas, exhibiting the money, which had the desired effect.
"There is but one temple for this poor town, and that is upon the mountain without the walls."
"To that we will proceed, if the worthy innkeeper will show the way."