266 IN THE VISION OF GOD

Ramdas replied, "Ramdas has already had
his meal. Thanks for your kindness. You are Ramji indeed."
He then left Ramdas.
Ramdas, rising early next morning, left Shivapnri and
proceeded on his journey along the river bank. The sign
pointed out by the cultivator was missed. About three
miles1 tramp brought him to a spot where further journey
was cut off. He attempted a cliff, but had to give it np,
for it was too steep and had absolutely no supports. He
stopped and spoke to Ram :
"'Ram, you are playing a funny game with Ramdas. Do
as you will. Ramdas returns. If he were asked why he did
not reach Yasishtashram, he would plainly say that you
fooled him and sent him back half-way." It was all Ram's
will — Ram's play.
Once again, Ramdas retraced his steps and by about
nine o'clock reached again Shivapuri. He had no prompting
to go to the village and so continued his journey. He passed
the river-bank by the village but had not gone a few yards
when he met two mountaineers, forms of Ram— all forms
are His — coming towards him from the opposite direction
with two empty kerosene tins tied to their backs. They
were tall young men. They saluted him "Ram* Ram" and
questioned him as to where he was going and what he
was about. He explained to them his object of visiting
Vasishtashram, how it was thwarted and of his final retreat
to the plains.
Now one of them said: "Turn back again: we are
going with you, our way also lies towards Vasiflhtashvam.
We can escort and guide you along."
Ram, what a fast and loose player you are ! The friends
were quick trampers accustomed to hill climbing. So they
thought it would be as well to make Ramdas walk before
them so that he might not lag behind. But the power
of God was tingling in Ramdas' veins. He skipped,
danced and ran. The friends followed as best as they could.