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JAINA STORIES
“Barber ! I am highly pleased with you. Send your son with me I intend to send you a suitable reward »
This raised high expectation in the barber's mind. He sent his son with him at once Sahasramalla now came to the shop of a cloth dealer name Dhanasar who extended him a very cordial welcome He displayed all his costly fabrics before him. Sahasramalla selected a few and said,
"Sir ! I am taking these with me and presently shall I return with the money. My son remains here as security."
While placing the bundle of clothes before bis mother, he said,
"Mummy dear! Go at once to the city and get me full report about the talk of the town."
The mother went out and returned with the full report. Meanwhile, the barber and the merchant reported the matter to the king
“The thief has made fools of us " they said. A horse dealer was present at the court. He said,
"Your Majesty ! A man whose wealth is increasing must of necessity buy a horse. Besides, a horse is a must for a thief. So the fellow must come to me, and I shall at once get hold of him and bring him to the court"
A famous harlot, Kamapataka by Dame, who was also present, said,
"Sire ! A man to whom wealth comes as windfall must visit a public woman I have no doubt that he will come to me to-night or at the earliest opportunity. Your majesty knows how intelligent am I Can there be anything which Kamapataka takes up on hand and finishes not successfully ? The thief cannot hide himself anywhere, not even in the nether world I shall detain him as soon as he comes and send message to the palace"
Sahasramalla who had full report through the mother thought now of crushing the pride of both who had bragged so much at the court. Now, duly dressed as a cavalier, he
