________________
126
JAINA STORIES
The harlot had no reason to doubt the man's credentials who had brought such a substantial client for her She at once placed all her costly ornaments before him, Sahasramalla placed them in a bag and hurriedly saw the horse-dealer, to whom he said,
"Sir ! I hope, you are comfortable here. I must presently see the king on a very urgent business. Meanwhile, my lady will take care of you Since time is very important, if you mind not, I may use your horse to reach the palace."
The dealer could not refuse a man who had done so much to make him comfortable.
Thus with one of the finest steeds in the dealer's possession and the harlot's costly ornaments, Sahasramalla turned his steps homeward He presented the whole booty to his mother and requested her to go to the city again.
When Sahasramalla did not turn up in time, the harlot became restless She at once reached the palace and made enquires about a man on borse-back but none of the guards could throw any light She returned home and made enquines of the new-comer about his companion Said the harlot,
“You see, sir, he has taken all my valuable ornaments and has not turned up yet”
"He has taken - my horse 100. Tell me who he is. I am a stranger here He told me that this was his own house and so I came hither in his compay But now it appears that he was a rouge and I have been deceived."
Now, both the dealer and the lady reached the palace. When he reported the matter to the king, his anger knew no bound. Said he,
"This seems to be an expert thief. He deceives everybody and escapes undetected. If he is not arrested, it will be a great shame for the admipistration” He sent for the police chief, and said to him,
"I give you five days' time to produce the thief. If you fail, severe punishment will be given to you"