Srikanta
justified in doing so. But this! Was not this vile thing the deed of jail-convicts?
'You didn't get frightened, did you, Srikanta?' asked Indra.
'No,' I answered shortly.
'Do you know what you have done?' asked Indra 'Nobody else could have sat here alone as you have done, you know. You are the best friend I've got and I'll never forget this. How would you like me to bring you with me every time I come out in future?'
I made no reply, but just then the light of the moon, released from the clouds, fell on his face and something that I saw in his features made me forget all my irritation and indignation in one sweep of reconciliatory emotion. I said to him, 'Indra, have you seen anything of that kind yourself?'
'What kind?'
'Well, those who come and ask for fish?'
'Why, no, I haven't: I told you what I've heard from others.'
'But can you come here alone?'
Indra laughed. 'I do come alone.'
'Don't you get afraid?'
'No, I don't. I take the name of Rama, and then those people can never come to me.' He paused for an instant and then continued, 'Do you think taking the name of Rama a simple thing? If you pass near a snake with that name on your lips, you will be absolutely safe. All creatures, you will see, will make way for you and flee
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