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144 "O damsel of kunch-like colour and hair of cloudy hue," they addressed her, "will you not part with some of the flowers of the lustrous pearl you are carrying?"

But the maiden answered, "What is this of the flowers of pearl? They are far from here, and your sons, if they would possess them, must cross the red river, free the three witches who guard the king, and come to Kolabuttipur." As the boat disappeared, each of the Ranis thought in her heart that she would send her son to win the hand of this beautiful princess, with all her wealth.

The maiden, who could read their hearts, said in reply, "Princess Kalabutti, of kunch-like colour, hails your sons to her kingdom. If any one of them can make himself master of the flowers of pearl, she shall be his."

After this the Ranis went home, and sent for their husband and their sons, telling them everything that had transpired between them and the Princess Kalabutti. On this the Raja at once ordered the Royal Mayurpankhis, boats made in the shape of a peacock, to be fitted out. The princes should set sail in them in quest of the pearl flowers.

The preparations for the princes to begin their voyage having been completed, the mayurpankhis were launched, each with a prince and his retinue on board. The Raja was present, and Bhootoom and Boodhu, who had meanwhile revealed their identity to him, were with him. They asked their father to order mayurpankhis for them also; but the poor Raja's tongue was tied by the presence of the five Ranis standing near. They forced him away into the palace without, however, omitting to give the owl and the monkey a number of slaps for what they considered their impertinence.

Bhootoom and Boodhu were resolved to follow the princes, and they went off to apply to a carpenter for a mayurpankhi. They had, however, been already forestalled by their mothers, who were intent on sending their offspring on the expedition. As an apology for a boat, each made a canoe of a betel-nut tree, and putting some Durba grass, paddy and cowries in it,