XXXIII.
THE TALISMAN.
At Chatrapur lived four poor friends, who, being in great distress and sorely puzzled how to eke out a livelihood, met at a certain spot to devise means for bettering their condition. They thereupon performed severe austerities to the Kali of the place, who, being pleased with them, appeared to them and asked them what they wanted. They asked her to confer riches and happiness on them. The Goddess thereupon gave each of them a talisman, which was to be carried on the head. They were told to go in a northerly direction, and wherever the talisman fell from the head to dig there, and take whatever came to each person's lot. The four friends set out on their errand, and went a certain distance, when the talisman of the first person fell from his head. When the spot was dug into, an enormous quantity of copper was found. The first man saw the others, and said that he was quite content with his lot, and stopping ikere, he carried the copper home. After travelling a little more distance, the talisman of the second man fell from his head. The spot was dug into, and an enormous quantity of silver was found. He followed the action of the first friend, and desisted from going any farther. The other two travelled for some time longer, when the talisman on the head of one of them fell off. When the spot was dug into, ail enormous quantity of gold was found. He, thereupon, told the last friend not to proceed any further, as, with the quantity of gold found, both of them could live happily. But he gave a deaf ear to the advice, and went on for some time longer, till the talisman fell from his head. The spot was dug into, and a quantity of iron was found. He was overcome with grief at his lot, and regretting the neglect of his friend's advice he retraced his steps. But, alas, in this he was sorely disappointed, for lie was not able to find his friend. Thereupon immersed in grief he tried to get at the iron that had fallen to his lot, but he was not able to find the iron. Very sorry for his lot, he came back to the town and lived once more by begging.
Moral:—A person who. hears not the advice tendered by his most intimate friends will surely come to grief.