"I want just that sort of person to accompany me in my journeys through the famine-stricken districts; one who can give me some little help in my work of dispensing Government relief." Then, addressing Isa Dás in his native tongue, the gentleman said, "Do you wish to take service?" And he briefly described what the nature of the service would be, concluding by an offer of ten rupees a month, and all travelling expenses paid.
How readily, how joyfully was the offer accepted! Isa Dás saw himself raised at once to a position of comfort and wide usefulness, one in which he could specially glorify God by helping his fellow-creatures whilst serving an earthly patron.
"You will need doubtless to make some little preparations for your journey," said the official; "some additions to a somewhat scanty wardrobe," he added in English, with a smiling glance at the missionary. "You shall have ten rupees for your outfit, so buy whatever you need, and join me here to-morrow."
With what a light, happy heart the convert retraced his steps to the town, with eleven rupees in his kamarband! With what special pleasure he wrapt himself in the blanket bordered with red, which he could now buy with an easy conscience!
"This will always serve to remind me of the day when the performance of a simple duty led to such happy results!" thought the Christian. "It will often bring to my mind the command—'Owe no man anything but to love one another.'"
It is not always that such results follow so simple an action, but there is truth in the proverb that "Honesty is the best policy." He who is known to be trustworthy is the one likely to be put into positions of trust.
[CHAPTER VIII.]
A LITTLE LAMP.
ISA DÁS, as has been related, had been much despised and abused after becoming a Christian; and even after the first excitement after his baptism had passed away, when prevailing sickness made even enemies avail themselves of his medical skill, it was not forgotten that he was one who had broken caste. Hindus took his medicines as if they feared pollution, and if they gave in return cowries or pice, they dropped them into the Christian's hand, avoiding oven the touch of one whom they deemed unclean.