254 IN THE VISION OF GOD
find for Ramdas proper accommodation for the night. But
God had provided against every contingency. When dusk
was approaching, a man whom Ramdas had never seen
before, coming to him fell at his feet and said :
"Swamiji, it will give me no small delight if yon will
be pleased to grace my house. I had been so keenly longing
to have yonr darshan and God has granted me this blessed
opportunity. Pray do come with me."
Ramdas agreeing, the friend took him to his storied
house. His family members were away and he was alone
with a servant. He made Ramdas sit on a deerskin asan
and introduced himself as thus:
"Swamiji, my name is Madhav Kamath. I have read
your book, 'In Quest of God' and have seen your picture
in it. From the likeness you bear to the photograph I
saw in the book, I could recognise you at once. Ever
since I perused this book I was intensely desiring to
see you. God heard my prayer and has sent you here for
my sake."
As he spoke his throat grew husky with emotion and
from his large eyes poured a stream of tears. He embraced
Ramdas repeatedly in a state of ecstasy. He asked Ramdas
to place his hand on his head which Ramdas did, and
Madhav Kamath rolled on the floor in a trance-like condi-
tion. They went on talking till late in the night. He
showered torrents of love and kindness on Ramdas. God
in His own inscrutable ways looks after Ramdas with all
tenderness and care.
Next day Ramdas started with Krishnarao, At
Bangalore Ramdas was welcomed by Bhavanishankerrao,
Sitabai and others of his household with great joy. Ramdas
spent a few days here. Bhavanishankerrao, who was also
eager to attend the Kumbhamela, accompanied him. Tn diie
time they reached Bombay and were received at the station
by Sanjivarao who escorted them to his house. Sanjivarao
and his wife were as overflowing with love as ever. Ramdas