He kicked me in the ribs as hard as he could with his naked foot, and, that failing, used his fist.
"Get up!" he said.

"Hit me, if you want to!" Then he turned to the Mahatma.
"Confound you! Take us out of this!" "Peace! Peace!" said the Gray Mahatma.

"You are chosen.

You are needed for another purpose.

No harm shall come to either of you.