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226
JAIN RAMAYAN
“Friend! What is your name ?” "Shambal”.
"You have to do me one more service”. "Surely, I will do what you desire me to do. Command me”. “Will you do it ?” "Surely! You need not doubt my word.” "In that case, Virdev will trust you risking his life.” “I deem it my good fortune”.
Ordering the other soldiers to take rest, Virdev, Anjali and Shambal went and sat beneath a peepal tree.
"Shambal! Which is the by-way to Rajgrihi ?” “I will lead you by such a path”. "Then we shall start tomorrow before dawn.”
"But when we travel on a by-way it is better to travel during night time than during day time."
“Then, we shall set off in the night”. "Even that is a good idea; but we have to be very careful”. “Careful ? ....Then what is the use of my sword ?”
“Naturally, on our way at every point, the soldiers of Magadha would be keeping guard; but we shall travel by such a way that we will not have to face many obstacles."
“Very good. Why should we not take rest for a few hours? That way we can refresh ourselves." Said Virdev glancing towards Anjali.
“No, Virdev! Rest is harmful. We should set off at once.". “That means ?"
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