Then turning to Arthapala, he said:  “Do you relate your adventures.”  And he immediately began his story in the following manner:—­

* * * * *

ADVENTURES OF ARTHAPALA.

My Lord, having the same object as your other friends, I wandered about over various countries in search of you.  In the course of my travels, I arrived one day at the sacred city of Benares.  There I bathed in the pure crystal water of the river; and duly worshipped the mighty god, the slayer of Andhaka, at his temple outside the city.  After finishing my devotions, I was going on my way, when I saw a tall, stout man, carrying an iron club, with his eyes red and swelled from weeping, and engaged in making a noose with his sash.

I thought to myself:  “This man has fallen into some great calamity.  He is thinking of doing violence to himself or to others.  I will see if I can assist him.”  I therefore went up to him, and said:  “This conduct of yours seems to indicate some rash purpose.  May I know the cause of your grief?  Perhaps I may be able to help you.”

He hesitated for a moment, and looked very hard at me; but at last he said:  “What harm can there be in telling you?  You shall know my troubles, if you wish to learn them.”

Then we sat down together under a shady tree, and he began his tale as follows:  “O, fortunate sir, I was once as happy as you appear to be.  My father was in good circumstances, and brought me up carefully; but I preferred a wild, dissipated life, and at last became a robber.  One night I broke into the house of a rich man in this city, was caught in the act, and condemned to death.

“My hands were fettered by being passed through holes in a heavy piece of wood; and in this state I was led out for execution into a public square, where a furious elephant was brought forward to trample me to death.  When he came near me, I shouted as loudly as possible, in order to frighten him; and lifting up my arms, gave him a violent blow on the trunk.  Upon this, he turned away; and as I continued to shout out and abuse him, all the efforts of the driver to make him attack me were in vain.

“Again and again, with much difficulty, the driver brought him in front of me; but each time, instead of attacking me, he turned back, alarmed by my menacing appearance and loud shouts; and at last ran right away, leaving me uninjured.

“The courage which I had shown was observed by the king’s chief minister, Kamapala, who was looking on from one of the towers of the palace; and he sent for me, and said:  ’You seem to be a very strong, brave man.  I did not think that elephant could have been so cowed by any one.  It is a pity that such qualities should not be better employed.  Are you willing, if you are pardoned, to forsake your evil ways, and lead an honest life?  If you will give me a promise to this effect, I will take you into my service.’