Page:Speeches And Writings MKGandhi.djvu/911

 GOKHALB, TILAK AND MBHTA 821,

The lion of Bombay baughb me to take orders. He -did not make me his disciple. He did not even try.

I went thenoe to Poona. I was an utter stranger, My host firsti took me to Mr. Tilak. I met him surround- ed by bis companions. Ho listened, and said, ' We must arrange a meeting for you. Bub perbaps you do not know, that we bave unfortunately two parties. You must give ua a non-party man as obairman. Will you see Dr. Bbandarkar?' I consented and retired, I have no firm impression of Mr. Tilak, except to recall that be shook off my nervousness by his affectionate familiarity, I went thenoe, I think, to Gokhale, and then to Dr, Bhan- darkar. The latter greeted me, as a teacher of his pupil.

1 You seem to be an earnest and enthusiastic young man. Many people do not come to see me at this the hottest part of the day. I never now-a-days attend public meetings. Bub you have recited such a pathetic story that I must make an exception in your favour.'

i worshipped the venerable doctor with his wise face. Bat I could not find for him a place on thab little throne. Id was still unoccupied. I had many heroes --but no king/

It was different with Gokhale, I cannot say why. I met him at bis quarters on the college ground. Ill was like meeting an old friend, or better still, a mother after a long separation. His gentle face pub me at ease in a moment. His minute inquiries about myself and my doings in South Africa at once enshrined him in my hearb. And as I parted from him, I said to myself, 'You are my man*. And from that moment Gokbale never lost sight) of me. In 1901 on my second return from South Africa, we came closer still. He eimply 'book me in hand, 1 and began to fashion me. He was concerned

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