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DHISIA,
143
the seven did not sleep, and, following the lady incogoito, they had a corroboration of what Dhista had said They now sat thinking about a suitable plan Dhista suggested that such an evil character must not be allowed to live, and since she was too powerful for anyone of them, they must pull up their whole strength together and put her to death There was unanimity among all the seven and the action started at once. Two men held the lady by the legs, two held her head fast and one of them beat her so severely with a club that the poor witch breathed her last. Now, there was nothing to be afraid of, and so the seven friends started from there Passing through a forest, they reached the bank of the Sipra, and therefrom, a fine city on its bank; but to their surprise, they found it wholly deserted. They entered into it and reached at last the palace gate, where sat an old lady. The lady at once received them and said,
"Good fellows' Here are seven beautiful damsels for you You accept them”
Dhista-"But, mother, tell us first who they are, and wherefrom do they come The whole city is deserted, and the presence of seven damsels in such a lonely place causes us both surprise and suspicion."
The lady— "My good fellows ! These are yıdyadhara girls. One day, their father had enquired of an astrologer about their prospective husbands. The astrologer suggested that the girls should be entrusted to me and that the husband would come without scekiny So I am here You now relieve me of my charge by accepting the girls"
Continued the lady,
"Here you have everything that makes life pleasantfinest cushions, dressing rooms and bed chambers, and most beautiful damsels. You enjoy life in their company. There are seven fine steeds in the stable, and you enjoy a ride on their back in any direction save the east. I bid thee strictly not to go in the eastera direction even by mistake"
The offer seemed attractive and the seven agreed It was a pleasant life for them in the company of vidyadhara
