"Foster is still alive—I am going to put an end to his sinful life," replied Pratap in an impressive tone.
Chandra Shekhar ran up to Pratap, as fast as he could, and caught hold of the reins of his horse. He then said,
"Why should you kill Foster, dear Pratap? The wicked shall be punished by God. Are we the dispenser of justice? It is only the narrow-minded who take revenge on their enemies—good souls always forgive."
Pratap was surprised—his heart overflowed with joy. He had never before heard such a noble utterance from any man. He alighted from his horse and made obeisance to Chandra Shekhar. Pratap then said,
"In this selfish world, there are few praiseworthy men like your nobleself. I will do Foster no harm."
Pratap again mounted his horse and rode off towards the battle-field. Thereupon, Chandra Shekhar again cried out,
"Pratap, why are you, then, going to the battle-field?"
Pratap turned back his face and said, with an exceedingly sweet and pleasant smile,
310
