?A!;r HAHPL'H- SKE7PKAL 6 5
occasion to dine during his last visit to Pandharpur.
The kshetra used to feed with rich meals six sadhus every
day. When they reached the place Ramdas found seven
sadhns waiting at the entrance of the kshetra. The manager
of the house was to select six out of the waiting sadhus-
Ramdas felt an inclination to leave the place, as he did not
wish to stand in competition with others, in the matter of
selection. He had done so on a former occasion at another
kshetra of this city. But there was Ramcharandas who
would, of course, refuse to take meals without him. How-
ever, he stayed.
At the usual time the manager turned np with a note-
book to take down the names of the sadhus he would select
for dinner. He picked out six sadhus including Ramdas
and Ramcharandas. The rest of the sadhus departed except
one who appealed to the manager to take him also. The
manager told him that he could not do so as the rule was
only for feeding six. He also added that he had his chance
only the previous day. Ramdas made ont that the attraction
for the sadhu was the luxurious food, served in this
particular kshetra. When the sadhu saw that he pleaded in
vain, he requested Ramdas to speak for him. Raradas with
folded hands prayed to the manager :
"Ramji, do take him also. In a feeding honse an extra
man can be accommodated/1
"With a few sharp words the manager cut short his
advocacy as much as to say: "Mind your own business."
The lucky (?) six were asked to enter the house.
Ramdas walked in along with others, dazed and depressed.
The extra sadhu was left behind. Meals were served for six.
The thought of the sadhu outside troubled him. The
meal progressed. He could hardly eat anything. It was a
dinner of sweet balls and cakes. After finishing the meal he
came out and what did he behold ? The extra sadhu was
still sitting on the door-step. At the sight of him Ramdas
felt as though an ice-cold douche of water were suddenly