Atondido Stories
best of all, I have brought here as a single ornament of great val-
ue, which you can carry with you and dispose of in your own
country." Gangazara looked at the crown, examined it over and
over, counted and recounted the gems, and thought within him-
self that he would become the richest of men by separating the
diamonds and gold, and selling them in his own country. He
took leave of the tiger-king, and after his disappearance thought
of the kings of serpents and rats, who came in their turn with
their presents, and after the usual greetings and exchange of
words took their leave. Gangazara was extremely delighted at
the faithfulness with which the brute beasts behaved, and went
on his way to the south. While going along he spoke to himself
thus: "These beasts have been very faithful in their assistance.
Much more, therefore, must Manikkasari be faithful. I do not
want anything from him now. If I take this crown with me as it
is, it occupies much space in my bundle. It may also excite the
curiosity of some robbers on the way. I will go now to Ujjaini on
my way. Manikkasari requested me to see him without failure
on my return journey. I shall do so, and request him to have the
crown melted, the diamonds and gold separated. He must do
that kindness at least for me. I shall then roll up these diamonds
and gold ball in my rags, and wend my way homewards." Thus
thinking and thinking, he reached Ujjaini. At once he inquired
for the house of his goldsmith friend, and found him without
difficulty. Manikkasari was extremely delighted to find on his
threshold him who ten years before, notwithstanding the advice
repeatedly given him by the sage-looking tiger, serpent, and rat,
had relieved him from the pit of death. Gangazara at once
showed him the crown that he received from the tiger- king, told
him how he got it, and requested his kind assistance to separate
the gold and diamonds. Manikkasari agreed to do so, and
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