Page:Anandamath, The Abbey of Bliss - Chatterjee.djvu/51



Mahendra had got down from the cart, snatched his arms from a sepoy and was ready to fight. But he shortly knew that these people were robbers and had attacked the sepoys to plunder the treasure. So thinking, he drew off and stood apart from the field of fight. For, he thought, he would share the glamour of their mis- deeds if he aided these miscreants. He then threw down the sword and began slowly to walk away, when Bhavananda came and stood by him. Mahendra asked, " Sir, who are you ?" " What's the use of your knowing it," retorted Bhavananda. " I have some use ; — I have been placed under a very deep obligation to you today." " I did not see you felt like it. Sword in hand, you stood apart. You are a Zemindar's son, deft enough in devouring milk and butter, but no good for any strenuous work. He had scarcely finisheci when Mahendra retorted with scorn : "But it was a wicked deed — it was robbery." " Be it so," returned Bhavananda, " We have done you some good and wish to do some more. You might as well try to require." M. You have done me some good, no doubt ; but what more good can you do ? And really it's better to go without any obligation than to be obliged to a robber.