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CONVERSION OF THE ROBBER CHIEF.
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refreshed by a drink of water that is pure and cool and sweet. He wanted to speak, but he could scarcely rally strength enough to open his mouth and move his lips. He beckoned assent and showed his anxiety to embrace the doctrine of the Tathâgata.
Panthaka wetted the dying man's lips and soothed his pain, and when the robber chief, unable to speak, silently folded his hands, he spoke for him and gave utterance to such vows as the latter was ready to make. The samana's words were like music to the ears pf Mahâduta. Filled with the joy that 'originates with good resolutions and entranced by the prospect of an advance in the search for a higher and better life, his eyes began to staré and all pain ceased.
So the robber chief died converted in the arms of the samana.
