TESTIMONY

Dharma and Adharma were two friends. They had qualities befitting their names. Dharma was a pious and virtuous man. Adharma was a corrupt and dishonest person. As people judge others by themselves Dharma was under the impression that Adharma was an honest gentleman.
Adharma thinking about his future realized that he was a poor, uneducated and dull witted person and so did not have much scope of earning a decent livelihood at the place where he lived. He thought that if he could make enough money he will not have to bother about his future. For this he needed to go to a town closely, as opportunities were more there. He however did not have confidence of his own to do it alone and so told his friend Dharma about his idea. Dharma as usual, ready to help his friend, agreed.

The two friends went to a neighboring town. They lived there for a few years and made fortune. When they thought that they had enough wealth they decided to return home. On their way they passed through a forest. Adharma said, "Dharma, let us bury half our wealth in this forest. Whenever we need it we will come here and take it."
Dharma agreed and both friends buried half of their wealth under a baniyan tree in that forest. They put a cross sign on the tree and proceeded on their homeward journey.
After a few weeks, Adharma came to Dharma's house and said, "Friend, I have a big family to support. All my money is finished. Let us go to the forest and bring the money buried there." So Dharma and Adharma went to the forest. The dug deep at the earmarked spot but did not find their money.

Adharma annoyed and angry accused Dharma of staling the money. Dharma tried to convince his friend of his innocence but Adharma refused to believe him. He dragged Dharma to court to get justice. He narrated his story to the Kazi. Adharma said, "Your Honor, the Goddess of the baniyan tree is my witness."
The Kazi, a wise man, said all right let us all go to the baniyan tree under which you had buried you money. I want to hear the Goddess of the tree testify for Adharma."

Adharma had a trick up his sleeve as he had earlier told his father to hide himself in the big hollow of the baniyan tree and testify that Dharma had stolen all the money buried there. Like son like father liked the idea of his son and agreed to do, as his son wanted him to do. He had gone there early and hidden himself in his designated place.

After some time Dharma, Adharma, the Kazi and his guards entered the forested and came near the tree. The Kazi addressing the tree said,
"O goddess of the tree, please help us find out the culprit."
Adharma's father spoke up from the hollow of the tree,
" O Kazi! Dharma has stolen all the money. He is the thief."

The Kazi surprised at the talking of the tree, called his guards and asked them to collect some firewood and light a small fire near the trunk of the tree.

When the fire was lit the smoke entered the hollow where Adharma's father was hiding, forcing him to come out with red eyes coughing and sneezing. He fell at the feet of the Kazi and started apologizing for trying to cheat the court. He then narrated the truth to the Kazi.

Adharma and his accomplice father were arrested on the orders of the Kazi and led away to prison.