KOLLUR AND KASARAGOD 25
it began to pour heavily. The night had advanced and
it was about 3 a. m. Ramdas had nothing on except a
kaupin.
"One thing more," he still cried. "I may also require
the pair of spectacles yon have on." The pair of spectacles
was duly handed over to Mm, on examining which he
remarked that it would fit him.
"Yet one thing more," he said.
"You may demand anything," replied Ramdas. "Ramdaa
has dedicated his entire life to thee."
"Pass me the kaupin you are wearing," he asked
calmly.
It was beyond any doubt now that G-od Himself was
here for a crucial test. Ramdas with perfect nonchalance
born of complete self-surrender loosened the kaupin from
his otherwise naked body to offer it to him. Bnt before
Ramdas had removed it ontright, the strange friend stopped
him with his hand saying: "No, no, you may retain it,
I need it not." He then eagerly asked, "Can you follow
me?"
Ramdas lost no time in replying: "By all means."
"Not now, some other time", he said and prepared to
start. It was now raining in torrents. In one hand he held
the lantern aud in the other the umbrella, and the palm
pole flung across his shoulder with the bundle suspended on
it, at his back.
Standing on the landing steps he flashed a parting shot.
"What do yon think of me ? I am not mad. I am not," he
said with great emphasis.
"You are He, you are He," gasped out Hamdas—Ms
throat fully choked with emotion.
The friend descended the steps and walked away.
Ramdas returned to the room and the moment he sat
down on the floor, he was lost in a deep trance. It was
broad daylight when he recovered from the trance. He
beheld quite a crowd swarming at his door, of whom