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SAHASRAMALLA
127
The mother brought the full report for the son.
“You must be particularly careful, my son. The police chief is now after you." • “Mother ! Fear not. He won't be able to touch me even. I shall rob him of all his treasure and make gift unto you. Then, I am sure, you will congratulate me."
Sahasramalla now dressed himself like a brahmin. Passing through the main thoroughfares, he reached a temple Some people were playing there the game of dice Sahasramalla joined the group While on patrol, even the police chief came there, and could not check the temptation of trying his luck Now, it was a game between the police chief and Sahasramalla, and the former pawned his ring bearing his own name, which he lost The thief thus earned the ring. Just at that time a messenger came from the court and desired the police chief to see the king at once The police chief departed in a hurry.
With the ring in his possession, Sahasramalla reached the house of the police chief without delay, met his wife and said,
“Madam ! A colossal tragedy has befallen thee, and I have hurried hither to save thee. Pass on all thy valuables in my safe-keeping lest delay should cause thee much harm"
The lady could not believe her ears. She said,
“Sır! Wherefrom do you come? Who has sent you hither ?"
“Madam ! I am coming straight from the police chief » “Where is he? What's the tragedy about ?"
“Madam! The police chief is under arrest under orders from the king The king's men tied him fast and were taking him when I saw him. For the protection of his valuables, he has deputed me hither, and has advised me to remove them to some safe place If you have any doubt, here is the rig beariog his name"
So saying he produced the riog.
