“Because with it goes his spirit, Allan.  Have you never heard of the Egyptians, a very wise people who, as I remember, declared that man has a Ka or Double, a second self, that can either dwell in his statue or be sent afar?”

I answered that I had heard this.

“Well the Ka of this Zikali goes with that hideous image of him, which is perhaps why you have come safe through many dangers and why also I seemed to dream so much of him last night.  Tell me now, what does Zikali want of me whose power he knows very well?”

“An oracle, the answer to a riddle, Ayesha.”

“Then set it out another time.  So you decide to see the dead, and this old dwarf, who is a home of wisdom, desires an oracle from one who is greater than he.  Good.  And what are you, or both of you, prepared to pay for these boons?  Know, Allan, that I am a merchant who sells my favours dear.  Tell me then, will you pay?”

“I think that it depends upon the price,” I answered cautiously.  “Set out the price, Ayesha.”

“Be not afraid, O cunning dealer,” she mocked.  “I do not ask your soul or even that love of yours which you guard so jealously, since these things I could take without the asking.  Nay, I ask only what a brave and honest man may give without shame:  your help in war, and perhaps,” she added with a softer tone, “your friendship.  I think, Allan, that I like you well, perhaps because you remind me of another whom I knew long ago.”

I bowed at the compliment, feeling proud and pleased at the prospect of a friendship with this wonderful and splendid creature, although I was aware that it had many dangers.  Then I sat still and waited.  She also waited, brooding.

“Listen,” she said after a while, “I will tell you a story and when you have heard it you shall answer, even if you do not believe it, but not before.  Does it please you to listen to something of the tale of my life which I am moved to tell you, that you may know with whom you have to deal?”

Again I bowed, thinking to myself that I knew nothing that would please me more, who was eaten up with a devouring curiosity about this woman.

Now she rose from her couch and descending off the dais, began to walk up and down the chamber.  I say, to walk, but her movements were more like the gliding of an eagle through the air or the motion of a swan upon still water, so smooth were they and gracious.  As she walked she spoke in a low and thrilling voice.

“Listen,” she said again, “and even if my story seems marvellous to you, interrupt, and above all, mock me not, lest I should grow angry, which might be ill for you.  I am not as other women are, O Allan, who having conquered the secrets of Nature,” here I felt an intense desire to ask what secrets, but remembered and held my tongue, “to my sorrow have preserved my youth and beauty through many ages.  Moreover in the past, perhaps in payment for my sins, I have lived other lives of which some memory remains with me.