According to the chapter, the correct sequence is: (b) Rama Natha gave the bottle to the sage → (a) The sage smiled → (d) He said something in a low voice over the water → (c) Rama Natha dropped a few drops of water on a copper vessel → (e) Rama Natha waited to see if the magic worked. The text states: 'Carefully, he took the bottle to the sage. The sage smiled and muttered something over the water. Then he returned the bottle and said, 'Try it out.' Rama Natha sprinkled a few drops on a copper vessel and waited for it to turn to gold.'