Then Dhanamittra went to the king, and declaring that he had lost the purse, mentioned his suspicion of Arthapati, and the reason for it.  He, having heard nothing of what his servant had said, when summoned and asked “Have you a confidential servant named Vimardaka?” answered without hesitation, “Certainly; he is a very trustworthy man, entirely devoted to my interest.”

“Bring him here to me.”

Thus commanded, he searched everywhere for his servant, but was unable to find him; and for a good reason, for I had furnished the man with money, and sent him to Oujein, to look for you.

The supposed thief having disappeared, his master was put in prison till further evidence could be procured, for no one but those in the secret doubted that he was the instigator of the theft.

Meanwhile Kamamanjari, anxious to make use of the magic purse, proceeded to fulfil the conditions attached to its use.  She went secretly to Virupaka, and restored the money of which she had robbed him, and then gave away all her furniture, clothes, and ornaments.  This, however, she did so incautiously, that attention was drawn to it; upon which Dhanamittra went again to the king, saying:  “I suspect that the actress, Kamamanjari, has got my purse; for though notoriously avaricious, she is giving away everything she possesses, and there must be some strong reason for such a proceeding.”

In consequence of this information, she was summoned to appear the next day, together with her mother; and the two women came in great alarm to consult me.

I said to Kamamanjari:  “No doubt you are suspected of having the purse.  This suspicion has arisen from your own imprudence, in giving away your property so openly.  I much fear that you will have to give it up, and you will be fortunate if you escape without worse consequences.  But you must on no account implicate me; for then I should be put to death, all my property would be confiscated, your sister would die of grief, and you would be utterly ruined.”

She answered, with many tears:  “It is indeed my own fault, but you shall be safe.  That niggardly wretch, Arthapati, is known to be intimate with me.  I will say that I received it from him; and, as he is already suspected of stealing it, I shall probably be believed.”

To this I agreed, and the next day, when questioned, she at first denied all knowledge of the purse, then admitted having received it, but refused to say from whom, and at last, when threatened with torture, confessed, apparently with great reluctance, that Arthapati was the giver; and this being considered sufficient evidence against him, he was condemned to death.

Then Dhanamittra interceded for him, saying.  “A decree was formerly made by one of your ancestors, that no merchant or trader should be put to death for theft.  I humbly entreat, therefore, that his life may be spared.”

To this the king consented, the poor wretch was banished, and all his property confiscated, a portion of it being given to Kamamanjari, at the earnest entreaty of Dhanamittra, who got back his purse, and shortly afterwards married Kulapalika.