not all
of an objective character. Many things which are very satisfactory
proofs to me would not be so to the reader. On the other hand, I have
no right to speak of the unimpeachable evidence I now possess.
Therefore I must do the best I can with the little I am permitted to
give. In the present paper I have brought forward such evidence as
would be perfectly satisfactory to all capable of measuring its
probative force.

The evidence now laid before the public was collected by me during the
months of October and November, 1882, and was at the time placed before
some of the leading members of the Theosophical Society, Mr. Sinnett
among others. The account of Bro. Ramaswamier's interview with his Guru
in Sikkhim being then ready for publication, there was no necessity, in
their opinion, for the present paper being brought to light. But since
an attempt has been made in some quarters to minimize the effect of Mr.
Ramaswamier's evidence by calling it most absurdly "the hallucinations
of a half-frozen strolling Registrar," I think something might be gained
by the publication of perfectly independent testimony of, perhaps,
equal, if not greater, value, though of quite a different character.
With these words of explanation as to the delay in its publication, I
resign this paper to the criticism of our sceptical friends. Let them
calmly consider and pronounce upon the evidence of the Tibetan pedlar at
Darjiling, supported and strengthened by the independent testimony of
the young Brahmachari at Dehradun. Those who were present when the
statements of these persons were taken, all occupy very respectable
positions in life--some in fact belonging to the front ranks of Hindu
Society, and several in no way connected with the Theosophical movement,
but, on the contrary, quite unfriendly to it. In those days I again say
I was rather sceptical myself. It is only since I collected the
following evidence and received more than one proof of the actual
existence of my venerated master, Mahatma Koothoomi, whose presence--
quite independently of Madame Blavatsky, Colonel Olcott or any "alleged"
Chela--was made evident to me in a variety of ways, that I have given up
the folly of doubting any longer. Now I believe no more--I KNOW; and
knowing, I would help others to obtain the same knowledge.

During my visit to Darjiling I lived in the same house with several
Theosophists, all as ardent aspirants for the higher life, and most o