120 IN THE VISION OF GOD
his head, clipped to the shoulder on which it rested in curls.
His face "was of a manly cut, having strong and rough
features. He wore a tight, short, half-arm jacket. His body
was solid and mascular. Around his neck was a thick red
string with a single rndraksh in the centre. From this neck
chord was hanging down a tiny bottle, suspended by a
string. His wrists were bangled with iron wire rings.
He spoke with a peculiar intonation from which it was
evident that he was a native of Tamil country.
(ii) Wonderful LI la
ACT I
Now the sadhu beckoning Eamcharandas to his side
said: "Get me a dry blade of straw!"
Ramcharandas went out and fetched a straw he
wanted. Taking it from him the sadhu broke it into small
pieces with his fingers and asked Ramcharandas to open
his mouth. Ramcharandas obeyed, and the sadhu threw the
pieces of straw into his wide opened mouth. But the
strange thing that happened was that they turned im-
mediately into cloves.
"Now let me have some loose earth," lie next asked.
Ramcharandas immediately got him some. Taking a
handful of the earth he again called on Rameharandas to
open his mouth which he did. The sand was shoved into
his mouth, and Ramcharandas was cheerfully exhibiting a
lump of sugar in it. But his cheerfulness was not to last
long, as the ensuing events would presently show.
The magical performance over, the sadhu turning to
RaTndafl said: "You appear to be greatly emaciated. Look at
me. How strong and healthy I am! I would you were also
like me. I can make you stout and vigorous. What do you
say?"
'Halarai*' Baindas replied with folded palms, "Ramdas
is perfectly satisfied with Ms present physical condition.