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JAINA STORIES
The policemen were impressed by these words, and they turned their steps to where the holy company was,
Religious behaviour has its impact even on the most cruel. The thieves heard everything the king had said, and they were very grateful to him,
"Surely, this must be a god among men," they said. "It seems he knows of our presence here and yet he dropped no hint about it"
They all came out of the groye and stood before the king. They saluted him and said,
"Sır, you are our saviour and we are very grateful toyou You knew about our presence in the grove and yet you gave no hint This surely reveals your greatness We are now, sir, at your service. What can we do for you ?"
The king offered them good counsel and advised them: to desist from theft Thicves by profession, they could not agree to it, but they promised not to touch the holy men or render any harm to them
A more rigorous ordeal still waited for the king This concerned the safety of bis own person. Hardly had he traversed some distance than a party of horsemen stopped him and said,
“Did you sec king Hansa passing by this way ?" “How do you feel interested in him ?
Narrating the purpose of their mission, the horsemer said, “We are the very trusted men of King Arjuna. He 18DOW in occupation of Raipur and King Hansa of the republic has fled for the safety of his life. We are now in search of him and we have orders to kill bim Tell us 8000 if you have seen him "
It was now po easy task for the king to give a reply or to evade it, and yet he was determined not to transgress his vow. Even at this moment of the greatest danger to his own person, he placed truth above self and said in a calm. and steadfast voice,
