I can not fathom it , ' said the headman at last to the priest . ` How readest thou this talk ? ' The lama , his tale told , was silently telling his beads . ` He is a Seeker . ' the priest answered . ` The land is full of such . Remember him who came only last , month -- the fakir with the tortoise ? ' ` Ay , but that man had right and reason , for Krishna Himself appeared in a vision promising him Paradise without the burning-pyre if he journeyed to Prayag . This man seeks no God who is within my knowledge . ' ` Peace , he is old : he comes from far off , and he is mad , ' the smooth-shaven priest replied . ` Hear me . ' He turned to the lama . ` Three koss -LSB- six miles -RSB- to the westward runs the great road to Calcutta . ' ` But I would go to Benares -- to Benares . ' ` And to Benares also . It crosses all streams on this side of Hind . Now my word to thee , Holy One , is rest here till tomorrow . Then take the road ' -LRB- it was the Grand Trunk Road he meant -RRB- ` and test each stream that it overpasses ; for , as I understand , the virtue of thy River lies neither in one pool nor place , but throughout its length . Then , if thy Gods will , be assured that thou wilt come upon thy freedom . ' ` That is well said . '
The XXXXX was much impressed by the plan .
Ay Himself Prayag burning-pyre fakir headman koss lama overpasses right