CHAPTER V
THE CHILDREN SEE BENARES AND GO HOME FOR A WEDDING
On the road to Benares they found many other people going the same way as they themselves. There were old people, young people, children, beggars of all kinds, priests of all faiths, sick people and well people,—all going to the "Holy City" carrying offerings of flowers and fruits, and all intending to bathe in the Sacred River.
Finally our party made camp just outside the city gates. Here they left the wagon and servants and made their way through the crowded, dirty streets until they finally came down to the banks of the river Ganges.
Such a sight as met their eyes!
"Oh!" said Chola, "all the temples in the world must be here."
"And all the people, too," said Mahala.
"And all the beggars as well," answered Harajar, as they shouldered their way through a crowd of "fakirs" holding out their begging-bowls.
"Nay, speak kindly of all in the 'Holy City.' It may be that our child will be cured," said the gentle mother, as she wrapped her veil around the baby to keep off the hot sun.