Chapter Twenty Five

The initiation accomplished, Satyananda led Mahendra into a most retired place. When they were seated, Satyananda began to speak: "See, my son! In that thou hast taken upon thee this great vow, I count that the Lord is favourable unto us. By thy hand shall the Mother's mighty work be wrought. Hearken thou diligently to my command. I bid thee not wander with Jibananda and Bhabananda from forest to forest and fight. Return thou to Padachihna. Even abiding in thine own house, thou must keep the ascetic's rule."

Hearing this, Mahendra was amazed and downcast. He said nothing. The Brahmachari went on: "At this hour we have no refuge; there is no such place that, if a mighty host come upon us and beset us, we may gather food and bar the gate and lie ten days in safety. We have no fortress. Thou hast thy mansion, thy village lieth in thy power. It is my mind to raise there a fortress. Encompassing Padachihna with moat and rampart, setting guard-posts here and there, and planting cannon upon the embankment, a noble stronghold may be made ready. Go thou and dwell at home; little by little two thousand Children shall come thither. By their hands the fort, the guard-posts, and the embankments shall be wrought. Thou shalt cause to be built there a strong chamber of iron. There shall be the treasury of the Children. Chests filled with gold shall I send unto thee, one by one. With this wealth shalt thou bring all these works to pass. Moreover, I am summoning from divers places skilled craftsmen. When the craftsmen are come, thou shalt set up a workshop at Padachihna. There shalt thou have cannons, balls, gunpowder, and muskets fashioned. For this cause do I bid thee return home."

Mahendra gave his consent.