Page 128 - Kailaspati: Paramhans Hansdevji Avadhoot

those gifts, they could not have ignored and thrown them away. When Maniram was thinking thus, the cheats, in guise of sages, said, “Why do you feel so sad at the sight of those petty things, thrown into the fire? it has been a daily affair with us to throw very many costly things into the fire. They are of no value to us here. They are bought at a very negligible cost here.” having heard of these words, Maniram became all the more worried, because at the suggestion of Vivek, his attendant, he had imported those costly things with the help of ships. What would happen to him if within a very short period of time the value of those articles got reduced to nothing? he got upset on being turned into a pauper. Finding no other alternative, he sought for the suggestion from the cheats in disguise of sages. They said, “Just give all your ships to us.” On question about the return in exchange for them, “We have bags of invaluable articles with us.” Then they brought before him a few bags, full of metals, looking as bright and shining as gold and silver, and said that they would offer him a bag of most precious articles in exchange for all his ships. Maniram, the merchant, did not agree to accept anything then and there. he then decided to return to his native place to consult his attendant, Vivek to take the final decision thereafter. he did not offer them the ships, instead he had a will done and got it duly signed by them. it was so written that they must have to offer a bag of articles, as specified by the merchant, at any moment, determined by him, failing which he would not only get back his ships, but also they must hand over a bag of precious articles to him, by way of punishment. The cheats were glad enough to agree to such an agreement. after that agreement, sad, sullen and empty-handed, he left for his native place. Vivek, on coming to know that his dear master was returning home, went out in company with some aristocratic people to receive him. as Maniram saw him coming, he began to scold him. seeing him cross, Vivek was humble enough to add, “since you are my master and as good as my dear parent you have every right to scold me but would you tell me what mistake have i committed?” Maniram told him all about what had transpired and said, “i am a pauper now is because of you.” Vivek gave his master a patient hearing
106 Kailashpati