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JAINA STORIES
The lady cast a very affectionate glance at him, at which Dhista felt obliged He took bath, wore fresh clothes and ate delicious dishes.
A mood of enquiry invariably unlocks fresh avenues of knowledge Dhista felt inquisitive as to what the lady did with such a huge quantity of grass At oight, he lay with bis companions but did tot sleep At mid-Digbt, the lady got up and checked everybody She made sure that everybody was fast asleep Then, with the help of chanted words, she changed herself into a mare, ate the whole stock of grass and thereafter became a beautiful dansel She then put on the best dress and ornaments and started. Dhista followed her in disguise She now reached a cave where she was received by a few female spirits, who asked,
"What offer you have prepared for us ?
"Have patience I have gathered seven men for you, six of whom are fat and plump. Only the seventh man is lean and weak He is a recent arrival However, I have started feeding him well and I have no doubt that he will put on sufficient flesh by the fourteenth day of the fortnight) He is also meant for you"
The devils were highly pleased But Dhista was alarmed For, death was following him so closely on his heels He had no doubt that this lady, herself a devil, would put him to death at the earliest available opportunity. In the morning, as usual, they all started for cutting grass. On the way, as Dhista narrated his night's experience, all the six protested,
"We haven't detected any evil intention in the lady's behaviour so far,"
Dhista--"My dear friends ! A comfortable life has blinded you ; but you won't escape from her trap, I tell you. I am not going to stay here even for a moment"
The six "Stay for a day more, and let us make sure of what you say If your apprehension proves true, we shall go with you"
Dhista agreed. The day passed as usual. At night, all
