Page:The Great Trial of Mahatma Gandhi.pdf/11



A convict and a criminal in the eyes of the Law : Nevertheless the entire Court rose in an act of spontaneous homage when Mahatma Gandhi entered—a frail, serene, indomitable figure in a coarse and scanty loin cloth, accompanied by his devoted disciple and fellow-prisoner Shankerlal Banker.

“So you are seated near me to give me your support in case I break down,” he jested, with that happy laugh of his which seems to bold all the undimmed radiance of the world’s childhood in its depths. And looking round at the hosts of familiar faces of men and women who had travelled far to offer him a token of their love, be added. “This is like a family gathering and not a Law Court.”

A thrill of mingled fear, pride, hope and anguish ran through the crowded ball when the judge took his seat—an admirable judge deserving of our praise alike for his brave and resolute sense of duty, his flawless courtesy,