He broke into imprecations against the supreme power that claimed sovereignty over the Maharajah of Chirakul and against the Founder of the Christian faith.
"Swami, is it your decree that I should take this voyage across the black water—that I should break my caste?"
"Only by going to England can you ever hope to rise to a position wherein you may help the cause that we have at heart."
"And if I die in that foreign land, swami?"
"You will be born again to suffering and degradation," said the inexorable voice.
"Swami, swami! Let me stay in my father's house."
"It cannot be. It is the will of the gods!" replied the guru. "My son," he added, in softer accents, "be not afraid. You will return in safety to help the cause we have at heart and be blessed by the holy Brahmans."
Ananda and Bopaul heard the words and remembered them afterwards. "You will be born again to toil and suffering and degradation."
And they believed them; for had they not been spoken by the guru, in whom dwelt the divine afflatus?
*****