Page:Isvar Chandra Vidyasagar, a story of his life and work.djvu/160

---

Sanskrit College fell vacant. The post carried a monthly salary of 90 rupees. Here was a great chance of Vidyasagar's own promotion. Dr. Mouett, Secretary to the Education Council, called on Mr. Marshall to consult on the selection of a competent man for the post. Mr. Marshall recommended Vidyasagar. The situation was accordingly offered him, but he declined the offer. The real cause of his refusal was, that he had already given word to the famous professor, Taranath Tarkavachaspati that he would secure him a suitable situation. He knew Tarkavachaspati to be a most worthy man versed in all the different branches of the Sanskrit literature, and he now took this opportunity to fulfil his promise. He recommended Tarkavachaspati to Mr. Marshall, saying that Vachaspati was the best grammarian of the time, which he sincerely believed. This was Saturday, and the appointment was to be made on Monday, Taranath Tarkavachaspati was, at this time, at Kalna, some 50 miles away from Calcutta. The postal system then was not so well organised as at present. There was no railway. A great difficulty now faced Vidyasagar. How was he to inform Tarkavachaspaty of this happy news? He could not communicate it by a letter, as it would not reach him in time; and even if it should reach him, what certainty was there, that he would accept the post? Tarkavachaspati had already opened a Tol at Kalna, and engaged himself in money-lending busi-