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LALITANGAKUMAR
107
the horse and the ornaments. Both started again on their journey. Said Lalitanga
“What times we are in ! Contradictions in values are steadily on the increase”
Sajjad~"Well, let us ask a second man about our point. But what shall be the condition this time ?"
Lalitanga—"I have nothing more left with me which I may give But if I am proved to be wrong, then, I shall give you my cyes”
Sajjan—"And if I lose, you get back your horse and ornaments 's
Both proceeded onward After some time, they met a man on the street When Sajjan repeated the question to him, he said,
“It is vice that wios and virtue is always on the losing side"
Lalitanga was struck dumb and he cast a deep sigh. Sajjan said,
"My friend, Will you give up your wrong ideas ? You should now agree with my view."
But Lalitanga could get no confirmation from within He protested,
“No, that cannot be so A sinful man may get something by chance, but the ultimate outcome is disastrous for him"
Sajjan laughed at him and said,
“You deserve to be congratulated for your firm stand But what about the fulfilment of your condition ?"
Lalitanga-"Yes, my eyes now belong to you. Let us go to the yonder banyan tree. There I shall take out my cyes and give to you I can assure you that I shall not hesitate or step back”
The two friends came under the banyan tree Sajjan, could not bide his joy and was waiting impatiently to get