It had a small shutter and a
wooden bolt. By a strange coincidence of circumstances the hillman had
forgotten to fasten it on the inside when he locked the door. Of
course, after what has subsequently transpired, I now, through the eye
of faith, see the protecting hand of my Guru everywhere around me. Upon
getting inside I found the room communicated, by a small doorway, with
another apartment, the two occupying the whole space of this sylvan
mansion. I laid down, concentrating every thought upon my Guru as
usual, and soon fell into a profound sleep. Before I went to rest, I
had secured the door of the other room and the single window. It may
have been between ten and eleven, or perhaps a little later, that I
awoke and heard sounds of footsteps in the adjoining room. I could
plainly distinguish two or three people talking together in a dialect
unknown to me. Now, I cannot recall the same without a shudder. At any
moment they might have entered from the other room and murdered me for
my money. Had they mistaken me for a burglar the same fate awaited me.
These and similar thoughts crowded into my brain in an inconceivably
short period. But my heart did not palpitate with fear, nor did I for
one moment think of the possibly tragical chances of the moment. I know
not what secret influence held me fast, but nothing could put me out or
make me fear; I was perfectly calm. Although I lay awake staring into
the darkness for upwards of two hours, and even paced the room softly
and slowly without making any noise, to see if I could make my escape,
in case of need, back to the forest by the same way I had effected my
entrance into the hut--no fear, I repeat, or any such feeling ever
entered my heart. I recomposed myself to rest. After a sound sleep,
undisturbed by any dream, I awoke at daybreak. Then I hastily put on my
boots, and cautiously got out of the hut through the same window. I
could hear the snoring of the owners of the hut in the other room. But
I lost no time, and gained the path to Sikkhim (the city) and held on my
way with unflagging zeal. From the inmost recesses of my heart I
thanked my revered Guru for the protection he had vouchsafed me during
the night. What prevented the owners of the hut from penetrating to the
second room? What kept me in the same serene and calm spirit, as if I
were in a room of my own house? What could possibly make me sleep so
soundly under such circumstances,--enormous,