Why do you come to me and what do you seek of me, Allan, Watcher-in-the-Night?
Say it and truthfully, for though I may laugh at lies and pass them by when they have to do with the eternal sword-play which Nature decrees between man and woman, until these break apart or, casting down the swords, seek arms in which they agree too well, when they have to do with policy and high purpose and ambition's ends, why then I avenge them upon the liar." Now I hesitated, as what I had to tell her seemed so foolish, indeed so insane, while she waited patiently as though to give me time to shape my thoughts.

Speaking at last because I must, I said, "I come to ask you, Ayesha, to show me the dead, if the dead still live elsewhere." "And who told you, Allan, that I could show you the dead, if they are not truly dead?
There is but one, I think, and if you are his messenger, show me his token.

Without it we do not speak together of this business." "What token ?" I asked innocently, though I guessed her meaning well enough.
She searched me with her great eyes, for I felt, and indeed saw them on me through the veil, then answered, "I think--nay, let me be sure," and half rising from the couch, she bent her heard over the tripod that I have described, and stared into what seemed to be a crystal bowl.

"If I read aright," she said, straightening herself presently, "it is a hideous thing enough, the carving of an abortion of a man such as no woman would care to look on lest her babe should bear its stamp.

It is a charmed thing also that has virtues for him who wears it, especially for you, Allan, since something tells me that it is dyed with the blood of one who loved you.