Page:Tales of Bengal (S. B. Banerjea).djvu/176

140 The cunning bait was swallowed by Debendra Babu, who asked: "How much would these ceremonies cost?"

After thinking out the maximum amount he could decently demand, the astrologer said: "About one hundred rupees".

"Oh, that's far too much," was the reply. "Do you want to ruin me? Can't you do it for less?"

"Not a pice less. I could perform a jog (sacrifice) for as little as ten rupees; but such maimed rites are quite contrary to the Shástras."

"Will you guarantee definite results for Rs. 100?" asked Debendra Babu anxiously.

"I promise nothing; if you have faith in my ceremonies, you must pay me my own price; if not—I leave you to Fate."

"I have implicit faith in you," groaned Debendra Babu, who was now terribly alarmed, "and will pay you Rs. 100 to-morrow, but please don't delay; the matter is very pressing."

Gobardhan agreed to the proposal; but seeing that his client was loth to go and evidently had something on his mind, he remarked:—

"When a wise man consults a physician, he always discloses his symptoms. You must be quite frank and tell me how your affairs have been progressing lately, in order that I may address my incantations