“‘Poverty, and contempt,’ I answered.

“‘There is nothing more foolish and sinful than suicide,’ he replied.  ’A man of sense will endure adversity rather than escape from it in such a manner.  Wealth, when lost, may be regained in many ways; but life in none.  A broken fortune may be repaired; a cut throat can never be joined again.  But why should I preach to you thus?  Here is a remedy for your misfortunes.  This leather bag will give you abundant wealth.  I have used it for assisting the deserving; but now I am old and infirm, and am not long for this world.  I give it to you.

“’Go home; if you possess anything wrongfully acquired, restore it to the right owner, and give away the rest of your property to brahmans and the poor.  When this has been done, put away the purse carefully; and in the morning it will be found full of gold.  Remember that whoever possesses it must comply with these conditions, and that it will yield its treasures only to a merchant like yourself, or to an actress.’

“With these words, he handed me the purse, and immediately disappeared.

“I have now brought the purse to your majesty, to know your pleasure concerning it.”

The king, though much astonished, believing the story, told him to keep and enjoy it; and in answer to his entreaty, promised that any one attempting to steal it should be severely punished.

After this, Dhanamittra, making no secret of his acquisition of the purse, disposed of all his property somewhat ostentatiously, leaving himself absolutely nothing but the clothes which he wore; and in the morning, having filled the purse with gold—­the proceeds of the robbery—­he showed it to his neighbours, who were fully convinced of its magic powers.

The fame of the purse was thus spread abroad; and we were able to account for our newly-acquired wealth, without incurring any suspicion as to the manner of obtaining it.

At this time; for reasons which will presently appear, I induced Vimardaka to enter the service of Arthapati; and directed him to use all possible means to excite his master against Dhanamittra.  In this he had no difficulty; for the father of Kulapalika, hearing of his sudden acquisition of wealth, did not even wait to be asked, but of his own accord renewed the former engagement, and rejected Arthapati.

About that time it was publicly announced that a younger sister of Kamamanjari—­Ragamanjari by name—­would make her first appearance as a dancer and singer.  Great expectations having been raised, a large number of spectators, including myself and my friend Dhanamittra, were present at the performance.

I was struck by her beauty the instant she appeared on the stage; but when I heard her sweet voice, and saw her graceful movements, I was perfectly enchanted, and unable to take my eyes off her for a moment.

The performance being ended, she withdrew, followed by the longing eyes and loud applause of the spectators; and giving, as I fancied, a significant look at me.