Going back, the Priest resolved to catch the boys in their own net, and he told them a story about two men and a thief.
“Now,” said he, when he had finished, “which of the three do you prefer?”
The eldest boy said he liked one man, and the second the other, but the third preferred the thief!
“Well,” said the Priest, “if you prefer the thief, you yourself must be a thief. Where is the third ruby?”
On this the boy confessed that he had stolen it; and, taking it out of his pocket, restored it to his brother. The three went home together, and lived happily ever afterwards.
THE STORY OF VICKRAMADIT
A king once asked his daughters to tell him the reason why they were so comfortable and always clothed in fine raiment, with jewels to wear, and a Palace to live in.
They all said: “It is because we are your daughters, O King!”
But the youngest said: “I am what I am through my favourable destiny, and not because I happen to be your daughter; if good fortune be destined for us we shall have it under any circumstances.”