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104 and have them tested to see if they are genuine," handed them over to her father, who restored to each man the property that belonged to him.

ONCE upon a time there was a king called Dharmadatta, who ruled over Śakrâvatî. He was endued with righteousness—the essence of all virtues. Suśila was his chief minister, and beside him was another man living in the place, whose name was Vishnu. This Vishnu had been a minister, but somehow or other he had lost his money as well as the position which he formerly used to hold. The consequence was that he grew morose and disagreeable—quite wrapped up in himself, and the contemplation of his misfortunes. Moreover, the king took a dislike to him—entirely ignored his existence. One day Suśila asked the king how it was that Vishnu had grown so dull and dejected: but the king took no notice of Suśila's remark. Suśila therefore continued: "Sir! Vishnu is honourable and charming: he is excellent at diplomacy; you ought to send him upon a mission somewhere or other." The king hearing what Suśila said, did