________________ offering him the services of her younger sister. So they accepted Kamasena's hospitality which solved S. 's boarding problem. Next day, S, went to the gambling house and won huge sums from expert gamblers. He presented a part of the win to Kamasena, distributed another part in charity to all and sundry, and with the rest he purchased costliest garments, costmetics etc. for Savalimga. On the fifth day, S. prepared to leave Kamasena's residence, to keep his promise to Savalimga. Kamasena, madly in love with him, tried to detain him by pulling his shield. The jewelled bodice that was smuggled in the shield-cover by the thieves dropped down. Kamasena kept it as a parting gift. Shortly, wearing it she left to attend upon the King. On her way, she was seen by the city mayor, who, indentifying her bodice as one which was stolen from his house some time back, lodged a complaint with the King. On being questioned by the latter, Kamasena did not reveal the identity of the person who had gifted her the bodice. She was ordered to be executed. Her mother traced S. at the gambling house and told him about the developments. S. rushed to Kamasena's help as she was being taken to the execution ground, freed her and put to rout the city guards. Hearing about this Somadatta reached there. S. requested him to take his message to Savalimga. Somadatta secured from the King S. 's release by pledging himself as the hostage. S. visited Savalimga, who on failure of S. 's return by the promised fifth day, was on the point of immolating hereself on a burning pyre. S. presented her with clothes and cosmetics. Next morning he returned to the execution ground. S. boasted of having committed many thefts. The King discovered S. 's identity by examining a sword bearing the latter's signature. The sword was procured from the courtesan. But to test S's prowess the King sent an army to attack S. A band of fiftytwo crack heroes mounted an attack. The five thieves informed by Narada rushed to S. 's help and overpowered the [31]