Page:The Pilgrims' March.djvu/34

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been validated.
12
THE PILGRIMS MARCH

most trouble, allaying and soothing all and sundry. She came in for her own share of injuries, but she loves the people so much that she is firm in belief that the hurts were accidental and not meant for her. When I think of her, my heart rejoices and there is every hope for a nation which can count woman like Sarojini among its population.

I have tried to give the bright side of this dark picture. But what is brighter than all is the rehabilitation in my mind of the belief that had momentarily been shaken, that we still can control the people and keep them in hand. Temporary aberrations there will be, but the spectacle of the different communities voluntarily making up the differences is a sign full of augury for the future. It leads me to hope, that if differences there will be, we can settle them ourselves without calling in a third party.

I am in a more chastened mood but certainly in a happier mood than when I went to Bombay. One further cause of this happiness is due to the splendid example of my Sikh brethren. People had thought that they were lagging behind in the struggle for liberty. People had also thought that, being a martial race, they would be the last to imbibe the