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160 them as well as the person who had presented them to be brought before him. But he was too excited to wait for their arrival. And he forthwith hurried out in search of him. Mutual recognition followed, and the two brothers shed tears of joy. The elder apologized to the younger for having neglected him; the younger forgave him and asked him to drive the past out of his mind. They were thus employed when the three gold fishes, being suddenly transformed into as many princes, rushed in, bowed down to them and introduced themselves as the sons of the Suo queen, who had been the cause of their troubles. Sheet and Basanta embraced them, and asked after the welfare of their parents. The sad story was soon told, and the five brothers together entered the inner apartments of the palace.

In the meantime the golden parrot that had accompanied Rupamoti beckoned to her and said, "The son of an unhappy mother, after crossing seven seas, has brought Gajamutty for you." The princess was surprised to hear this, but a servant ran in and confirmed the news that King Sheet's brother had actually brought the pearls. Rupamoti was delighted, and to reward the parrot for the information it had been the first to give, had preparations made to give it a bath in milk and rosewater. With her own hands she poured the mixture on the bird's head, and, the charm being washed away, it was changed into a lady of ravishing beauty, who was Sheet and Basanta's mother. She narrated her sad history to the princess, and told her that it was her younger son who had brought the pearls.

Information of this wonderful metamorphosis was given to the five brothers, who hastened to do homage to the once unfortunate queen. Rupamoti met them there, and offered her hand to Basanta, who gladly accepted it. The nuptials were celebrated in the fittest style, and men were sent to find out Sheet and Basanta's father, and bring him to them. The search was successful, and the dethroned king came to his