BAN3A-GOHKA?. PARVA7 157
peep within through the narrow passage, hut none unreal to
enter. They displayed a superstitious awe.
However, in the afternoon, a man boldly- came in.
Harness was reclining. Tie visitor sat down at 0rst at his
feet and slowly commenced massaging his legs. Then draw-
ing near Ramdas1 face, he burst into tears. He wept like a
child. Brushing aside his tears by the sleeves of his coat.
he spoke:
"Mahara j, I am a poor cobbler. I do my work on the
roadside. One of my customers, who came to me for repair*
ing his shoes, narrated the story of your fast. He said that
you bad eTen eschewed drinking water. The news terribly
upset me. I thought: "How coul»l I go home aad take my
dinner, knowing that there is one on the hill who is
starring?" My mind revolted at the idea. Dazed and
bewildered I at once threw down the work and ran up
here. Now, my resolution is this: until you take food I am
determined not to haTe it for myself. I prefer to fast with
you. Till then, I am also going to stick to this cave.1*
His speech struck a chord in Ramdas* heart which was
silent during the fast and set it vibrating. His whole frame
responded to the thrill that emanated from it. He suddenly
sat up with a bound and, placing both his bands on the
shoulders of the cobbler, asked:
"What do yon want Bamdas to do ?"
fc*Take food, of course/* he replied.
"Well, get Mm something then," Bamdas said.
"I shall bring whatever you want,1' he answered
eagerly.
"A cup of milk,1* Bamdas suggested.
At once the cobbler friend left the cave and reappeared
in ten minutes with a bowl filled with milk. He was
panting which showed that he must have run to and from
the bazaar.
"Here you are, maharaj," he said and offered the milk.
Bamdas drank it.
24*