Christian missions in the Telugu country - Uecf.net

THE S.P.G. MISSION—EARLY PERIOD 57
they had to swim across the Koondair, which at that
time was quite full, and entreated me to accompany
them ; but as I had other pressing engagements on hand I
could not gratify them then. I told them they must wait
till I was at liberty, and added : " The river is flowing
from bank to bank, how can I cross it now with my tent
and other things ? " " Pray don't let the river prevent
you, Sir," was their reply. " We will construct rafts for
you by tying large earthenware vessels together and
fastening cots over them, and on these we will cross
you over safely." Gladly would I have entrusted
myself across the river to these earnest and simpleminded
men, but urgent business required my
presence at Cuddapah at that time. To them neither
rain nor river was any obstacle, for they came fre-
quently to Mutyalapad, anxious to know when I would
visit them. About the middle of October I sent one
of my native catechists to inquire particularly into
their character and condition. He brought back a
very favourable report of them, and on the evening of
October 29 I set out, accompanied by Mr. Higgins, for
Bodamanur.
• At dusk we approached the banks of the Koondair,
and, as the shades of evening were gathering round us,
the scene was singularly beautiful : the broad, but at
this time shallow, river, with its high, precipitous banks,
the dark outlines appearing like ruined ramparts, and
lined with houses almost overhanging the stream ; the
little crowd of people on this side the river, who had
collected together to see us cross*; the cry of joy and
welcome from our Bodamanur people who came thus far