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The dealers - "Our difficulty could not be resolved even by King Srenika. Being mere drawers of water, what can you do to relieve us of the difficulty"?
The maids - "Gentlemen! Sometimes help comes even from unexpected quarters".
To get rid of the interrupting maids as early as possible, the dealers narrated their story rather coldly and in a few words, Said the maids,
"Oh! Your difficulty is a trifle. Come with us. It will be solved in no time. We shall help you to • sell the entire lot in one deal".
The merchants became serious and asked who could that buyer be. The maids gave them an idea of the wealth of their master, Sálibhadra. The merchants now followed the maids to Salibhadra's house. Even from outside, the mansion was more magnificent and grand than the king's
palace. They were now at the first floor and they were surprised at its frunishing. Said the maid,
"Sir ! This portion is meant for the servant's use".
They were now at the second floor and were struck at its lavishness. This floor was occupied by the writers and then they were at the third floor which was occupied by Bhadra herself. The dealers were introduced to her. Said the dealers.
"Madam! We have come to meet Salibhadra. We intend to show our blankets to him for sale".
Bhadra - But, sir, you eannot see him. You may display them before me, if you please".
Partly with hesitation and partly with surprise, the blanket-merchants sat before Bhadrā. They took out a piece and placed it in Bhadra's hand. Without bothering to ask its value, Bhadra enquired how many pieces they had with them. Said the merchants,
