Lives of Alcyone

demonstration of the fact by leading him to a certain cave by which
he would gain admission into their dwelling-place—or rather, as was
represented, one of their dwelling-places. He eagerly accepted this
offer, but it was unfortunately coupled with a condition that he should
tell no one of the expedition, if he wished to undertake it. He
doubted much as to the wisdom of this course, but eventually to
make the journey and attempt to verify the statement, but stipulated
that a certain bosom-friend, Demeter, should be allowed to
accompany him.
Demeter was another young priest, a son of one of the chief
priests of the same temple; and the original reason of the bond
between them was that Demeter also could see nature-spirits, and
could sometimes hear the same inner voice.
This stipulation seemed for some time to be an insuperable
difficulty, but eventually the mysterious inner voice yielded on that
point—only, however, on, condition that both the young men took a
specially solemn bow that they would tell no one of their journey nor
indicate to anyone else the way which was to be shown to them. In
compliance with the terms of this agreement they had to pretend to
set forth in 10,402 upon a pilgrimage to certain northern shrines; that
is to say, the pilgrimage was genuine enough, for they really visited
the shrines, but the true object of the expedition was known to none
but those who undertook it. The journey which they had to take was
a long one for those days, and occupied some months, but in due
course and after many adventures they found themselves in the
neighbourhood of the spot that had been indicated to them.
The inner voice would not permit to take with them say
servant or attendant for the final effort, but directed them to provide