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218
JAIN RAMAYAN
our forces on the frontier to be vigilant. Our frontier must be well guarded. No outsider should be allowed to enter our territory. This task should be carried out by Suman, the commander".
"As commanded by the Emperor".
"Not only this, wherever we see the spies of Ayodhya we should arrest them at once or kill them,' the Chief Commander Sugupta said issuing special orders.
"At the same time Shrishen's activities and movements should be carefully watched," the Emperor said to Maniratna.
"As commanded by the Emperor of Magadha", said Maniratna bowing his head and agreeing to carry out the Emperor's orders.
Shrishen at once came to know of the secret discussions that the Emperor of Magadha had with his state officials. This was nothing compared to his diplomatic wisdom. At once, he planned out his future action and began writing a secret letter. After writing the letter, he read it once; closed it and sealed it with his signet-ring; and keeping it in a secret box, he went out of his chamber.
Outside a poor brahmin was waiting for Shrishen impatiently. As soon as seeing Shrishen, he came in. Shrishen placed his hands upon his shoulders; went close to him and then said in his ears;
"Any news about Virdev ?"
"Yes sir, he has entered the territory of Magadha".
"When will he reach Rajgrihi ?"
"In about three days".
"Very good!"
Shrishen gave him the necessary instructions and then sat in a palanquin to go to the palace. The poor man went away by a secret passage.
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