Follow me then," said the Mahatma.
He walked straight in, keeping the lighted lantern on the side of him farthest from the panther, whose claws I could hear scratching on the stone flags.
"Keep that light toward him for God's sake!" I urged, having myself had to use a lantern more than a score of times for protection at night against the big cats.
"Nay, it troubles his eyes.

For God's sake I will hide it from him," the Mahatma answered.

"We must not wait here." "Come on," said King, and strode in through the open door.

So I went in too, because I did not care to let King see me hesitate.

Curiosity had vanished.