I have a room that you can occupy." They followed him into the house, and he led them into a small room at the back.

It was poorly furnished, but was scrupulously clean.

A pan of lighted charcoal stood in one corner, and over this a pot of rice was boiling.
"I bid you welcome," he said gravely.
And as the salutation was not one in use by the Mohammedans, Dick saw that his idea that the old man was a Hindoo, who had been forced to abjure his religion, was a correct one.

The old man motioned to them to take their seats on the divan.
"I do not ask for your confidence," he said, "but if you choose to give it to me, it will be sacred, and it may be that, poor as I am, I am able to aid you.

I will tell you at once that I am a native of Conjeveram and, of course, a Hindoo.