After I had adjusted my waistband, again we spoke
some tittle-tattle of the hour before I arose and, with a courteous
salaam, took my departure.
"Glancing back from a short distance, I saw the three banians in close
colloquy and eagerly gesticulating. Thoroughly alarmed now, and feeling
sure that they had recognized the blue diamonds as the spoil of one of
their temples, I made all speed to regain the caravanserai where my
horse had been bestowed, and, offering no explanation of my hurried
departure, immediately rode from the city. Gaining the open country, I
gave rein to my horse, although I took the precaution of making a detour
before I finally struck out in the direction of my home.
"Before nightfall of the succeeding day I had regained my house, and had
replaced the detached stones on the necklace by the little golden hooks
that formed their fastenings. With all speed I quitted the presence of
the Ganapati, vowing that I would make no more attempt for the present
to dispose of the treasure hidden in his entrails.
"A full month had elapsed, and I had ceased to give my exclusive
thoughts to the necklace of blue diamonds; for the harvest time was
approaching, and I had to make arrangements for the garnering of my
crops.
Pages:
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
131
132
133
134