By way of answer I only smiled and put him a few questions about a very beautiful breed of goats with long silky hair, some of which he seemed to be engaged in herding.

He replied that these goats were sacred, being the food of "one who dwelt in the Mountain who only ate when the moon changed." When I inquired who this person was he said with his unpleasant smile that I had better go through the tunnel and see for myself, an invitation which I did not accept.
That evening Harut appeared unexpectedly, looking very grave and troubled.

He was in a great hurry and only stayed long enough to congratulate me upon the excellent effects of his ointment, since "no man could fight Jana on one leg." I asked him when the fight with Jana was to come off.

He replied: "Lord, I go up to the Mountain to attend the Feast of the First-fruits, which is held at sunrise on the day of the new moon.

After the offering the Oracle will speak and we shall learn when there will be war with Jana, and perchance other things." "May we not attend this feast, Harut, who are weary of doing nothing here ?" "Certainly," he answered with his grave bow.