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JAIN RAMAYAN
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to secure human flesh; but when he thought of it for a while, he felt rather perplexed. His enthusiasm was damped. Where could he secure human flesh every day? And that too the flesh of a child ! He decided to discuss the matter with Anand. Accordingly, in the evening after completing his duties in the kitchen, he went to Anand's residence. Since he had not been well for two days he had not come to the palace.
When Anand saw the cook coming to meet him, all sorts of doubts and suspicions arose in his mind. The cook saluted him; and then mentioned the purpose of his visit.
"Master, I have fallen into a strange predicament. Only you must show me a way out. If not, I will have to face death !" The cook explained to him the problem that had arisen.
“Well, why should you worry about this? Where is the need for any worry at all? When the king himself desires it why should you fear anything? You must find out the boys in the city who are destitutes. Every day you must get one boy for this purpose.”
"But, dear sir, this is a hazardous job".
“You see! Those who are cowardly and fearful cannot render any service to the King. Do you understand ?”
“Dear master! I am a poor man. If I am caught, I will be ruined”.
"Don't fear anything. I will explain to you fully what you have to do. I will suggest a clever plan. Inspite of it, if anything happens, I will manage the situation and save you from harm."
"In that case, why should I fear anything ?” The cook said feeling assured.
Anand explained to the cook the method by which boys could be enticed to fall into his trap. The cook also liked his plan. Having saluted him, he returned. Anand slept thinking joyously of the sweetness of human flesh.
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