The stationmaster was quite sure they were Brahmin children and was extremely touched at the plight in which he found them. But when he blurted out that they were Mahars, stationmaster was stunned and his face underwent a sudden change. As soon as he heard his reply, he went away to his room and they stood where they were. There were many bullock-carts plying for hire. But his reply to the station master that they were Mahars had gone round among the cart men and not one of them was prepared to suffer being polluted and to demean himself carrying passengers of the untouchable classes.