The missionary was engaged in counting out some rupees, being the results of a collection made in his church, when his servant made his salam, and announced that Isa Dás was in attendance, and desired to see his honour. The missionary turned towards a Government official who sat near him, reading the papers, and said, "This is the very convert whom I was recommending to you just now. He is one who has really lost all for the sake of religion."
"And I doubt that he expects you to make up his losses," said the officer, smiling. "I tell you again that I don't like native Christians; they are a covetous lot, always bent on getting as much as they can. Just you see now if the fellow has not come to ask you for money."
"He may, indeed, need help," replied the missionary, rather sorry that his needy convert should happen to come just at that time.
Isa Dás entered, and made his respectful salam. He then drew forth from his kamarband * four rupees, which he silently placed on the table.
* A scarf worn round the waist, which often serves as a purse.
"What have you brought these for?" asked his friend.
"I have brought them to repay the debt which I owe your honour for what you kindly lent me some time ago."
"I gladly add them to our church collection," said the missionary, placing the rupees beside those which he had just been counting out.
"This is the very first time that I have ever known a native pay a debt without the money being forced from him!" cried the officer present, looking with interest at the thin form, so meanly clad, of the honest convert. "Christianity has done something for this man at least. You have told me," he continued, still speaking in English, so that Isa Dás did not understand him, "that he has some education, is intelligent, hardworking, and one not given to lying and cheating?"
"All that, and a good deal more," replied the missionary with a smile.