Page 119 - Kailaspati: Paramhans Hansdevji Avadhoot

The wife of the merchant at first did not believe the words of the attendant. On further examination, she thought that the attendant had no selfish gain to tell such a lie. Besides, she was without a son. May be for that reason her husband was going to remarry. and when she took it for granted, she began to cry.
The young attendant consoled her saying, “Dear mother, do not cry. i am trying to find a way out.”
“What might be the way out, dear boy?”, she asked. “i have seen a sage nearby. he has long locks, he gets painted with ashes and he has but only one loin cloth with him. he is definitely a great sage. allow me to go to him to find a way out from him.”
The attendant left. and when he returned within a very short while, he saw her weeping alone. On seeing the young man, she said, “What happened, dear son? Did he offer you any way out?”
he said, “Everything is all right, and you need not worry. and the way out he has offered is very simple.” “What is the way out, then?” she questioned.
“Only a hair from the beard of the merchant is needed, and that has to be collected secretly. Once it is collected, the sage will utter a Mantra on it and then you will put it in a little metal container and tie it to his left hand. The moment you will hold it in your hand, the merchant will be under your control and he will drop the decision to remarry.”
“But how to collect a piece of hair from the beard of the merchant?” she said.
“it has to be cut off with a razor and that has to be done when the merchant will lie sleeping”, suggested he. “Where to find a razor?”, she asked.
“i promise to get one for you,” he assured.
“You are indeed my son”, said she.
The attendant left her and secretly went to the merchant at his
shop. he wore a sad and anxious look. seeing this, the merchant said, “What has happened, dear boy? has your mother rebuked you?” ‘No’, replied he.
“Then, why do you look so glum and gloomy?” said the merchant. “That i can not tell you, dear father”, said he.
Third Volum: Ninth Taranga 97