So it was on this occasion. Having captured the Brahman Vedabbha, they despatched the Future Buddha. The Future Buddha bowed to his teacher and said: “I will return in the course of a day or two. Have no fear. However, do as I tell you. To-day will occur the conjunction of the moon which causes the Rain of Riches. Under no circumstances, because you cannot endure your misfortune, must you recite the charm and cause the Rain of Riches. If you do so, you will yourself come to ruin, and these five hundred thieves likewise.” Having thus admonished his teacher, he went for the ransom-money. When the sun had set, the thieves bound the Brahman and laid him down. At that very moment, from the eastern quarter rose the disk of the full moon. The Brahman surveyed the constellations and reflected: “The conjunction of the moon which causes the Rain of Riches is at hand. Why should I endure misfortune? I will recite the charm, cause the Rain of Riches, give the riches to the thieves, and go where I please.” Accordingly he addressed the thieves: “Well, thieves, for what purpose did you capture me?” “For ransom-money, noble sir.” “If you want ransom-money, quickly free me from my bonds, bathe my head, clothe me with new garments, perfume me with scents, deck me with flowers, and set me on my feet.” The thieves, hearing his words, did so. The Brahman, noting the conjunction of the moon, recited the charm and looked up at the sky. Straightway jewels fell from the sky. The thieves gathered up that wealth, wrapped it in folds of their upper garments, and went their way. The Brahman followed close behind them. Now a second pack of five hundred thieves captured the first pack of thieves. “For what purpose did you capture us?” inquired the first. “For ransom-money,” replied the second. “If you want money, capture this Brahman. It was he who, by looking up at the sky, caused a Rain of Riches; he is the man who gave us this wealth.” The second pack released the first, captured the Brahman, and said to him: “Give us wealth too.” Said the Brahman: “I would gladly give you wealth. But the conjunction of the moon which causes the Rain of Riches will not occur for a year yet. If you want money, have patience, and I will cause the Rain of Riches then.” At this the thieves became enraged and said: “Oh, you rascally Brahman! You caused a Rain of Riches for others but a moment ago, but you tell us to hold our patience for another year!” So saying, they cleft the Brahman in twain with a sharp sword and left him lying on the road.