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[ 94. 17.
away. Then Anahaka thought, "The property is in my hands; the forest is solitary; the well is deep unto the nether world; and the darkness is such as covers the weak-point (lit. the cavity) of guilt. Hence throwing him in this, I shall return from this place." Having so contemplated he said, "O son of a merchant, I am extremely overpowered by thirst; hence look in the well if there is water or not." Then 1, who held the package of the provision, looked into the well. In the meantime, Anahaka, like Death unto man, with confident heart, came in my vicinity. At once I was thrown into it by Anahaka and I fell into the well. He then returned from that part. I also [94] with confusion stuck to one part of the jutting foundation. Candrakanta, agitated by fear and also afraid on account of feminine disposition, was touched by me. She said "Bow to Arihantas." Then 1 recognised the voice. My heart began to sigh. She said "No danger, no danger to those who are attached to the order of Jinas!" She also recognised my voice. She began to weep and I consoled and asked her, her account. She narrated hers and I then (narrated) mine own. She said "Alas, a cruel thing is done by Anahaka!" I said, "My fair one, a cruel thing is not done by him; indeed the high-souled gentleman is a great benefactor as you are found out!" Of them having short sleep, the night passed away; and the sun rose. Then I gave the provision to Candrakanta. She said, "How can I take that which is not taken by you?" Then knowing her heart fluttering with love, I partook of the provision, even at the improper time. We ate our provision. Then I contemplated "By some way, we shall go out of this well as from this sea of worldly existence."
