HIMALAYAS-VASISHTASHRAM 261
"Swamiji," Ramcharandas spoke again, "what the man
gays is perfectly right; do please give up the idea.'1
Ramdas, feeling amused by this talk, coolly replied.
"Well Ram, did you not observe that the feat was success-
fully accomplished by a woman while God has made us men
and we hesitate?"
At this pointed remark Ramcharandas flared up. His
mettle was roused and the boy retorted: "You know, for
myself I don't mind casting my lot with you, but what of
Bhavanishankerrao? You are aware that as his foot is not
all right he cannot make the venture."
Ramdas was adamant. He was urged on from within.
He could not withstand the stern command. He rushed
to the precipice. His nimble body mounted the rock. His
fingers held on to the slits on the rock; his toes rested on
the cracks, his breath suspended he crept on and on—a tense
ten minntes' job and he was on the other side, at the top.
He could see the two friends sitting on the sands on the
opposite side. He now wildly beckoned them to follow him.
Ramcharaudas suddenly disappeared from his view. He was
making the attempt — ten minutes, and Ramcharandas was
beside him. But Bhavanishankerrao was still where he was
sitting. Surely he too would have come up had his foot
been sound. Now Ramdas realised the situation. To leave
Bhavanishankerrao alone, maimed as he was, and that too
half-way in a strange place, was not proper. He was unused
to such adventures.
Now, turning to Ramcharandas, Ramdas said: "Ram,
Bhavanishankerrao cannot be left behind alone with a
sprained foot. You ought to return to him and escort him
back to Swargasbram. As for Ramdas, there is no retracing;
he must proceed in search of Vasishtasbram. It depends
npon Ram if you will ever, see hini again. He is going
to lose himself in the bewildering maze of the Himalayan
hills and forests.
Ramcharandas had to retreat. He joined his companion