22
BENGAL FAIRY TALES
eagerly availed themselves of the offer, and lived dependent on him whom they had once planned to destroy. He, however, did not in any way give them occasion to feel their unfortunate position. He was full of kindness to them, and took them as partners in his speculations without their paying a single pice in the shape of capital; for he well knew how poor they were. In time, however, they too became rich, and Khoodeh's and his brothers' families became the most honoured people in the country, living happily together in the full enjoyment of unclouded good fortune. He who is really strong and great does not find it difficult to forgive the small and evil minded.
