Page:Vidyasagar, the Great Indian Educationist and Philanthropist.djvu/128

 Santhal neighbours were very honest and truthful and delighted in his company, finding him benevolently disposed. Kind and gentle treatment conquers even the savages and it is not surprising that they should reciprocate his feelings. As he supplied them with food and clothes and helped them with medicines in their sickness, so they too gave expression to their sense of gratitude. Sometimes they made him presents of cucumber, brinjal and gourd. A poor man having nothing else to offer brought in a cockfowl. He produced the sacred thread and gently told him that as he was a Brahmin by caste he could not accept the gift. The man burst into tears. Finding him disconsolate and profoundly touched by the cordiality of his intention, Vidyasagar received the bird, only to set it at liberty after he had sent the Santhal away satisfied Spending a few happy months in this abode of sunshine and peace, he returned to Calcutta.

Such halcyon days never last long.