Storia do Mogor 60.6.8

60.6.8

When the thirteen days had elapsed, men came from the king to summon the headman. He pretended he was very ill, and sent back excuses to the king, and said that he would send some one in his place. When his reply came back, and along with it the substitute, this fresh baniya was called in, and Akbar asked him where the water went to. The wary and astute baniya pretended to be plunged in thought, as if he had no anticipation of such a question. After a few moments he asked for leave to tell a story. The king gave permission. It was about how he had married, and the sum of money that his father-in-law had promised him. After the marriage the promise was not kept. On his demanding payment of the debt, his father-in-law gave him a box on the ears. As he talked he moved his hands about, and when he said that his father-in-law hit him on the head, he struck his own hand on his turban, causing it to fall into the channel. Turning round, he looked on in amazement at seeing his turban moving along with the current of water. Then he turned to Akbar and said, as if astonished : ' Your Majesty saw whither the water carried off my turban ?' In this mode he pointed out where the water of the channel went. The king laughed heartily at seeing the baniyás so crafty in their affairs. He gave this baniya a serpao (sarapa) and made him head of them all, he being a man of some estimation in his tribe.