Page:The Sikh Religion, its gurus, sacred writings and authors Vol 2.djvu/77

Rh wealth on a camel and returned to Khadur. On the way he encountered robbers, who seized the camel with its load. One of the robbers struck Datu on the foot with which he had kicked the Guru. It swelled up as big as a drum, and caused him great agony.

The Sikhs were very much distressed at losing their Guru. Some searched the forests, others the banks of the Bias, but could procure no trace of him. It was then decided to consult Bhai Budha, the foremost of the Sikhs. He had formerly pointed out Guru Angad's place of concealment, and they hoped he would have similar success in discovering Guru Amar Das. They accordingly prayed him to be again their guide. Their prayer placed Bhai Budha in a dilemma. If he pointed out where the Guru was, the Guru might be angry; and if, on the other hand, he did not do so, the distress of the Sikhs would be intolerable. Bhai Budha, after full consideration, decided to do what was proper, and endeavour to find the Guru. To this end he determined that the Guru's mare should be put in front of the search party, and that they should all follow her. Accordingly, bowing towards the Guru's vacant throne, and uttering a prayer for the success of their quest, they let the mare loose and anxiously followed her at a short distance.

She unerringly made her way to the Guru's house in Basarka, and stood before his door. The Sikhs congratulated Bhai Budha on the success of the plan he had contrived. A difficulty now arose as to how they were to obtain access to the Guru. Before their eyes was distinctly written, ‘Whoever openeth this door is no Sikh of mine, nor am I his Guru.’ There was no prohibition, however, to find another entrance, so they resolved to make an opening in the wall. They did so, and all entered by it. The Guru, on hearing the tumult, arose from his deep meditation. He asked his unexpected and Rh