Page:The Life of Lokamanya Tilak.djvu/46

 times heated conversation. In spite of such "lapses" Tilak and Agarkar were on the whole fairly "well behaved" and got 21 days' remission for "good conduct." The disgusting nature of the gaol-diet told heavily on their health, Mr. Tilak losing as much as 24 lbs. in weight. But they never complained. Only one thing troubled them; time hung heavily upon them and they even envied those of their fellow-prisoners who had been sentenced to rigorous imprisonment. Wearied of inaction, they sent in an application to the General Superintendent of gaols for some sort of work and were glad to find that he was kind enough to place books and writing materials at their disposal.

While Tilak and Agarkar were in gaol, a movement, headed by the late Principal Wordsworth and the late Hon. Mr. Mandlik was started to petition the Government to intervene and save these youths from the rigours of prison-life. The appeal fell on deaf ears. The Dinbandhu very properly said "Instead of applying to Government for the cancellation of the punishment, let us show our regard for the patriotic prisoners by giving them a right royal reception on their return." On October 26th 1882, Tilak and Agarkar walked out of the portals of Dongri, free men once more. Enthusiastic crowds awaited them outside. They were borne off in triumph. Addresses were presented; laudatory speeches wese made; and the only reply our heroes could, make to all this overwhelming kindness was to declare that Prisons would never have any terrors for them and would never deter them from discharging