Page:Isvar Chandra Vidyasagar, a story of his life and work.djvu/162

Rh Many stories are told of his abilities at pedestrianism. At first sight, these stories seem incredible, but they are as true as anything. It is said, that even in his declining years, when he was quite broken down by ill health, stout and strong young men could not match him in walking. The journey to and from his native village, Birsingha, Vidyasagar performed on foot in one day. In the course of the whole journey, he ate or drank nothing but a raw cocoanut at Masat, a village some 24 miles from Birsingha. Even in later days, when he was Principal of the Sanskrit College, he used to perform the journey on foot, as before. If any of his co-travellers or companions had a load or luggage too heavy, he would divide it with him, and carry it on his own head or shoulders. On one occasion, it so happened, that two Darwans (porters) of the Sanskrit College came in his way, and saw him walking with a burden on his head. They were quite surprised at the sight, and offered to carry the load for him. But he dismissed them with kind and gentle words, and went on with the burden.

It is said, that while Vidyasagar was employed in the Sanskrit College, he had unexpectedly a very, urgent necessity to return to Calcutta from Birsingha, and make the journey on foot, as usual, in less than one day's time. As he started on his journey, one Madan Mandal, one of his servants, came to him, and expressed his willingness to accompany him. Vidyasagar doubted his ability,