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JAIN RAMAYAN
The spy was watching carefully every action of his; but to see what he would do next, he stood silently watching him. Of course, the officer was fully convinced that every day, the same fellow had been abducting children, yet in order to keep track of his movements and to find out what he was going to do, he did not try to stop him. The cook placed the basket on his head; and at once, set off from there hurriedly. The officer secretly followed him. The cook straight went into the palace. The officer also followed him into the palace. He suggested to the guards by means of a sign to follow him. When the cook was about to enter the secret vault, the officer arrested him and asked him sternly:
"Where are you going ?" "How does it concern you ?"
"I am concerned with it. That's why I have asked you that question, And what does this basket contain ?"
"Don't talk unnecessarily. Get away". "I will go away; but first tell me what this basket contains”.
"Get away. I won't tell you what it contains. Do what you like".
The officer glanced at the guards; and gave them a hint. The guards surroundered the cook, at once. Then the officer sent word to the Chief Minister to come there at once. A guard brought the Chief Minister, at once.
The basket was still on the head of the cook. He began to shudder with fear. His body was drenched in perspiration. His fear knew no bounds. As soon as the Chief Minister came, the cook placed the basket on the floor; fell at the feet of the Chief Minister and entreated him for forgiveness.
"My lord ! Kindly forgive me. I am innocent”.
"What is the matter? Will you tell me what the matter is or will you merely keep begging for forgiveness ?” The Chief
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