I've seen the women." The Mahatma nodded gravely.
"But not even I may lead you forward clothed as you are," he said.

"I am about to reveal such mysteries as set presumptuous fools to seeking perfection by a too short route.

Even I would be slain, if I tried to introduce you in that garb.

Undress." He set us the example; but as we were not qualified by years of arduously won sanctity to stand stark naked in the presence he conceded us a clout apiece torn from a filthy length of calico that some one had tossed in a corner.

And he tore another piece of filthy red cotton cloth in halves, and divided it between us to twist around our heads.