Page:The Globe of Gold.djvu/2

126 he had contracted a second marriage, and he was now on his way to visit his wife, Kama Sundari, a girl about eighteen, now staying at her father's house. His father-in-law was a wealthy man, residing at a village on the banks of the Ganges.

Kali Kanta, fastening his boat to the Ghāt, set out on foot for the house of his father-in-law, attended by his servant, Rama, bearing his portmanteau. Kali Kanta Babu noticed a golden ball lying in the path. Picking it up in astonishment, he found it was indeed of fine gold. Much pleased, he handed it to his servant, saying, "I see this is golden; some one must have lost it. If it is inquired for I will produce it, otherwise, I will take it home with me. For the present, keep it carefully."

In order to conceal the ball in his dress, Rama put down the portmanteau, then taking the golden thing from his master's hand he hid it in his garments. But Rama did not again place the portmanteau on his head. Kali Kanta took it up and placed it on his own head. Rama went on in front, the Babu followed with his load. Presently Rama called out "Hi, you Rama!"

Babu. "What do you wish, Sir?"

Rama. "You are an ill-mannered fellow. Take care that you are guilty of no rudeness in my father-in-law's house. They are gentlefolk."

Babu. "Could I possibly commit any rudeness in your presence?"

In Koylas, Parvati was saying, "My lord! I can't understand this at all. What is this property in your golden ball?"

Mahadev answered, "Its property is exchange of mental personality. If I were to place this ball in Nandi's hand he would think 'I am Mahadev,' and would take me to be Nandi. I should think myself Nandi and fancy Nandi to be Mahadev. Rama thinks, 'I am Kali Kanta Babu,' and takes the Babu to be the servant Rama. Kali Kanta thinks, 'I am Rama Khansama,' and fancies Rama to be Kali Kanta Babu."

When Kali Kanta Babu arrived at the house, his father-in-law was in the inner apartments. But the confusion began outside. The gatekeeper, Ram Din Panre, said, "Hi, Khansamaji, don't sit there, come and sit with us." Whereupon Rama replied angrily, "Go, go you rustic fellow, mind your own business."