Although I had studied for some time the traditions of my
nation, rather out of curiosity than because of the love of
knowledge, I knew very well that I could hardly penetrate the
corridor of those mysteries which I am still regarding as the
sophistry and roguishness of exalted minds, invented for the
purpose of holding fools in fear and subordination. But several
accidental discoveries, made by me since then, have changed my
views and have aroused in me a sense of curiosity.
"'You know, notwithstanding our brief acquaintance, that I am not
the type of man who would abandon a clue or a conceived plan. What
has caused me to make you my companion in satisfying my
curiosity--that does not concern you. It is enough that now we have
an opportunity to satisfy our mutual desire, and all depends on
whether you will agree to accept the conditions upon which I can
make you a partner in my investigation.'
"'If these are not against honor and conscience.'
"'In this respect you have nothing to risk, you are rather risking
something else--your life. Do you feel that you are capable of
facing a serious danger?'
"'For the sake of science, yes!'
"'Very well, in that case I must tell you that I will lead you to a
place which we will not leave alive, if our presence is discovered.
The slightest suspicion that we were uninvited witnesses of the
secret will bring upon us persecution which will kill us sooner or
later.
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