Also the flat edge of the basin which
stood about thirty inches above the level of the topmost step, was
scored as though by hundreds of sword cuts which had made deep lines in
the pure metal. The basin itself was empty.
Seeing that these things interested him, the Asika volunteered the
information through Jeekie, that this was a divining-bowl, and that if
those who went before her had wished to learn the future, they caused
Little Bonsa to float in it and found out all they wanted to know by
her movements. She, however, she added, had other and better methods of
learning things that were predestined.
"Where does the water come from?" asked Alan thoughtlessly searching the
bowl for some tap or inlet.
"Out of the hearts of men," she answered with a low and dreadful laugh.
"These marks are those of swords and every one of them means a life."
Then seeing that he looked incredulous she added, "Stay, I will show
you. Little Bonsa must be thirsty who has fasted so long, also there
are matters that I desire to know. Come hither--you, and you," and she
pointed at hazard to the two priests who knelt nearest to her, "and do
you bid the executioner bring his axe," she went on to a third.
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