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SAHASRAMALLA
129
"Mother! How fortunate am I that I have been able to mobilise the king himself”
Sahasramalla was not merely an expert in changing robes, he was also an expert in many arts. He dressed himself like a masseur and reached the palace-gate. He sought an interview with the kiog. Soon he was in his majesty's prescoce. He bowed low before the king and said,
“Your Majesty! I have sought this audience with thee to get a chance to lay my expertise at thy feet May your majesty be pleased to allow me to demonstrate my ability !"
The king agreed. He removed his costly robes and ornaments, placed them aside and became ready He lay on a couch and Sabrasramalla started the trick of his hands The comfort soon lolled him to sleep. Sahasramalla did not miss the chance He picked up the king's robes and ornarrepts, put them into a bag and returned home He placed the booty at the feet of his mother and carrated that day's experience
When the king got up, he looked around. There was neither the man nor his royal robes and jewellery The king took no time to perceive that he had been deceived 10 his owo palace. His face turned pale He came to the court but could scarcely settle his mind on anything. The ministers, officers, pobles and others did not understand the cause of this change in the king At last, someone gathered courage and made enquiries about the kibg's health. The king then narrated the previous night's episode. Then said the minister :
«Sire ! This is no ordinary thief, He caon't be caught by the power of the police, it seems Some suitable strategy or enchanted words must be used for this purpose"
“Minister ! Till he is caught, I find no peace. Think seriously of some way leading to his imediatearrest”
Thinking a while, the minister said,
"I suggest, sire, in this difficult job, we must seek the assistance of holy men They have in their possession 3-9
