Page:Masani - Gandhi's story.pdf/16

12 also told somebody who came to see him that he did not think he was going to live long. "Krishna paused and then added, “I must now hurry to the next village to break the news to them.”

“Dada,” said Lalloo, “we too must hurry. Krishna says that the funeral is tomorrow morning. We must start immediately if we want to get a last Darshan of our dear leader. Let me help you to get ready. Wake up, Sita! Wake up, Rama! We have a long journey ahead of us. I will get my bullock cart ready.”

“Where are we going?” asked Rama and Sita in frightened voices heavy with sleep.

“To Delhi,” replied Paltoo.

Outside there was a great deal of hurry and bustle and the sleepy village burst into activity. Lanterns were hurriedly lit and everyone hastily prepared for the journey. Soon the bullock carts were ready.

“We shall start now,” said Paltoo. “Lalloo, lead the way and let the other carts follow behind yours."

Slowly the bullock carts moved forward in one long line.

"You must be cold, little ones, "said Paltoo to Rama and Sita. “Here, let me wrap these quilts around you and come closer to me. You must try and sleep as tomorrow will be a long and tiring day. What an evil day this is. Would that the sun had never risen on such a day.”