Story XXXIV
IN a certain town lived a Brâhman called Sambha. He was a regular gambler, and was always travelling about from one place to another. One day he was making his way along the road, when he saw a very good-looking girl minding a field. He addressed her in a familiar tone, and asked her to come for a walk, at the same time promising to give her a piece of money. So she agreed and went along with him. After a time, he turned to her and said: " What shall I give you ? " " What you offered," she replied. Well ! while they were arguing the point, they came close to the village where the girl lived. The Brâhman picked five ears of com and followed close behind her; when they reached the village, he made signs of contempt, and cried out: " See here ! all you inhabitants of this place who are good for anything ! Here is a girl who has sold herself to me for these five ears of com. The girl was dumbfounded and did not know what answer to make, while the villagers of course believed what the Brâhman said.
