"Hello, Nantu! My invisibility at school has actually placed me
there in a decidedly awkward position." I unburdened myself under
his friendly gaze.
Nantu, who was a brilliant student, laughed heartily; my predicament
was not without a comic aspect.
"You are utterly unprepared for the finals! I suppose it is up to
me to help you!"
The simple words conveyed divine promise to my ears; with alacrity
I visited my friend's home. He kindly outlined the solutions to
various problems he considered likely to be set by the instructors.
"These questions are the bait which will catch many trusting boys
in the examination trap. Remember my answers, and you will escape
without injury."
The night was far gone when I departed. Bursting with unseasoned
erudition, I devoutly prayed it would remain for the next few
critical days. Nantu had coached me in my various subjects but,
under press of time, had forgotten my course in Sanskrit. Fervently
I reminded God of the oversight.
I set out on a short walk the next morning, assimilating my new
knowledge to the rhythm of swinging footsteps. As I took a short
cut through the weeds of a corner lot, my eye fell on a few loose
printed sheets. A triumphant pounce proved them to be Sanskrit verse.
I sought out a pundit for aid in my stumbling interpretation. His
rich voice filled the air with the edgeless, honeyed beauty of the
ancient tongue. {FN10-1}
"These exceptional stanzas cannot possibly be of aid in your Sanskrit
test.
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