“What can we do? What’s gone is gone. Never mind about it,” replied the other.
But the river-spirit thought how pleased she had been with the merit she had received, and how her divine power had been increased, and resolved to take care of his property. So by her power she made a big-mouthed fish swallow the parcel, and took care of it herself.
When the thief got home, he chuckled over the trick he had served his brother, and undid the remaining parcel. There was nothing but gravel to be seen! His heart dried up; he fell on his bed, and clutched the bedstead.
Now some fishermen just then cast their nets for a draught. By power of the river-spirit, this fish fell into the net. The fishers took it to town to sell. People asked what the price was.
“A thousand pieces and seven annas,” said the fishermen.
Everybody made fun of them. “We have seen a fish offered for a thousand pieces!” they laughed.
The fishers brought their fish to the Bodhisatta’s door, and asked him to buy it.
“What’s the price?” he asked.
“You may have it for seven annas,” they said.
“What did you ask other people for it?”