the thirst of the antelope[32]
on Marusthali, for all that approach her too near: since all her
delusion depends upon her distance, and vanishes altogether by
proximity. Keep her always at a distance, O Shatrunjaya, if thou art
anxious to remain under the spell.

And I said: Haridasa, I am only a fool, as thou sayest, but thou art
wise. And now, wilt thou serve me at a pinch, by something more than
good advice? And he said: By what? Then I said: To-night, I have
business that I cannot avoid, and yet I cannot go out, unless I can
find one whom I can absolutely trust to remain here till morning in my
place, to guard a deposit. And so, wilt thou be my guard? And Haridasa
said: I cannot refuse, if thy need be extreme. For men to be
absolutely trusted are very rare, and I am one. And is thy deposit
large? And I laughed, and I said: Nay, on the contrary, it is very
small. And it will be here in another moment, for I have been waiting
for it all day long. And as I spoke, lo! Chaturika appeared in the
door, as if by a toss of the curtain,[33] And I said to Haridasa: Here
it is.

And seeing that I was not alone, Chaturika turned, as if to go away.
And I called out to her, saying: Wait but for a single instant, O thou
destitute of patience, and give me back my key that I gave thee last
night, since I am in sore need of it. And then she came to me in
silence and gave me a key. And I said: Hast thou put off the
petitioner as I desired, to another day? And she said: Yes. And then I
went to the door, and shut it. And I said to Haridasa: I have an
appointment, with one who may be friend or foe, for I cannot tell. But
here is a hostage, that I leave behind me. Keep her for me, and never
take thy eyes off her, and give her back to me, safe and sound, on my
return. But if the sun rises to-morrow, and I am not here, cut her
head off, for she will have led me into a trap, all unaware that she
was setting it for herself as well.

And Haridasa looked thoughtfully at Chaturika as she stood aghast,
rubbing his chin with his hand. And he said slowly: It would be a
great pity, my pretty maiden, if he came late, for thy head looks very
well as it is on thy little body, which without it would look as
melancholy as a palm broken short off by the wind.[34] And yet, do not
weep. For Shatrunjaya is a bad judge of men and women, and I am a very
good one. And if, as I think, he is altogether wronging thee by his
suspicion, thou hast absolutely noth