260 IN THE VISION OF GOD
as in the last instance. But the promontory this time was
not a slope. It was an upright precipitous rock with slight
ridges on the flat surface, facing the river. The mountain
forming this rock was shooting straight up to a great height;
so there was no means of climbing it sideways. The only
path was to crawl along the brink of the rock, trusting
hands and feet on the uneven furrows upon the vertical
surface of the menacing cliff. Down below was rushing- 'in
high current of the Ganges. A slight slip from the rocik
meant a fall into the foaming eddies of the river.
This was the situation that confronted him. After
waiting for about half-an-hour, he was joined by the twrt
friends. The condition of Bhavanishankerrao's foot was
bad, and he was suffering from great pain. They discovered
the danger and difficulty in the way of further progress.
Ramcharandas suggested that the only alternative left was
to return, and Bhavaiiishaiikerrao gave his silent vote in'
favour of the proposal. But Ramdas had to obey the will
of Ram which was that he should brave the perilous
path. He told the friends of this decision. Ram-
charandas was against it and declared that it was sheer
madness to venture upon an inaccessible path. Ramdas had
no argument to offer. He only replied that the inner call
of Ram was insistent and he must obey it, madness or no
madness.
While Ramcharandas was still expostulating, three
mountaineers, two men and one woman, were seen creep-
ing along the same precipice towards them, coming from the
opposite direction. After they had crossed over; Ramdas
started up and was about to proceed towards the fascinating
rock, when the mountaineers shouted:
**Beware, don't attempt the feat because we could do it.
We are hill-people trained' to such climbing from our child1
hood. Your'case "is different. You run a grave risk. Be
advised. Don't, for God's lsake, be fool-hardy and throw
away life." •' '• • : ' ' •.,-:.•. •••,:•