विक्रम चरित (उज्जैन सम्राट् विक्रमादित्य - पराक्रम, न्याय एवं ३२ पुतलियों की कथा सटीक)

273 nothing but mere dirt and paper!—for they are but little better." They could not understand the meaning or inten- tion of this act on the part of the aged merchant. "But," said they after awhile, "these articles are certainly com- mon and without value to the eye; we must not, however, treat them as such. Our father, depend upon it, meant something which is at present beyond our comprehension, or he would not have taken such pains to hide these things." They thought and reflected very seriously on the subject, but could arrive at no satisfactory solution of the apparent mystery. They next referred the matter to their friends and relations, but these only laughed at the strange and pitiful legacy which had been left by the merchant to his sons. Nevertheless, all three of them were so fully impressed with the wisdom of their father, and the belief that he could never have been guilty of such a foolish act or tricksy conduct as their remaining relatives imputed to him in no very pleasing terms, that they represented their case to the Pateel* of the district, for his decision. He was equally unable as the rest of them to pass a judgment on the unusual proceeding of the deceased merchant, but he advised the brothers to proceed to the king, and lay their case at the foot of the throne. The brothers accordingly set out, and having heard of the fame of Vickramadetea, proceeded to his court. On their arrival they represented to the king the object of their journey, and after producing for his inspection the articles which they had dug up, prayed that he would be pleased to solve the mystery for them. The king was much perplexed and astonished at what he heard, and although he gave the case the most mature and deliberate considera- tion, he could not by any means solve it. He took great pains and evinced much zeal in behalf of the three brothers, as well as for his own satisfaction; he also brought to bear

• The chief officer of the village, applied as a title of courtesy to Marathas or Shoodrus in general. JJ