SRINAGAR-RAWALPINDI-AMRITSAR 377
of the old path for over half-an-hour but without success;
and all the while, Shambunath was growing excited and
anxious. At last they found themselves on the rough
beaten path. When he saw it Shambunath's joy knew no
bounds. With uncontrollable delight he leapt and danced,
and burst out saying:
"Swamiji, you are indeed my God. You have brought
me to the path. Let us hurry up."
Now Shambunath raced down the path like a horse at
full gallop. He took perilous jumps on the way. He was
reckless and wild. Ramdas ran close behind him. The sun
had set. Darkness was steadily encroaching upon the
twilight. When they neared the base of the mountains they
swerved to their left and came upon some old ruins, where
they rested for five minutes and then went down to the
road near a famous spring of Kashmir called Chashma
Shahi. They proceeded to the spring and drank their fill.
The water of this spring is reputed to possess marvellous
medicinal and healing properties. Rich people and invalids
arrange to have this water for drinking purposes.
Now they retraced their steps to the city. Half-way
they met Shambunath's motor-car which was coming to
fetch them. They jumped into it and by half-past-seven
reached Shambunath's residence.
(ii) God's will be done
Another day Ramdas visited Achabal, one of the most
frequented beauty spots of Kashmir, noted for its small
but finely cultured garden and spring. He was accom-
panied by Shambunath and his father. When they were
about to leave the garden, Ramdas met a sannyasi belong-
ing to Sri Ramakrighna Mission and had a few minutes'
talk with him.
Ramdas had also a pleasure trip arranged by Shambu-
nath by boat at the far end of the Jhelum river. Besides
Ramdas and a Sikh merchant, there were in the boat a