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134 bestowed even a look upon him. All he bustled about was to follow Kapalkundala with his eyes. So he gave the big man a big push in his breast in order to clear his way though the big push could scarcely shove him an inch.

"What are you? Get you gone. Make room for me" burst from Nabokumar's lips.

"Who am I?" exclaimed the stranger "Don't you know me?"

The deep bass voice had the resonance of the sea. Nabokumar looked up and saw him, his former acquaintance, the Kapalik, with a. crown of matted locks trailing down on all sides. Nabokumar was startled but not frightened.

A ray of hope darted across Nabokumar's face and he, immediately, asked "Is Kapalkundala going out to see you?"

"Oh! No" answered the Kapalik.

The last ray of hope had departed before it gleamed and dark shadows flitted across Nabokumar's face.

"Don't cross my path anymore" uttered Nabokumar.

"I will let you pass" said the Kapalik "but you must hear me, first, what I shall speak to you."

"Words I have none with you" cried out Nabokumar. "Do you hover after me to take my life again? Slay me this time and I shall not any more thwart you. Now, wait here till I come back. Why did I not give up my mortal flesh to appease gods? As I have sowed so I reap now. She who preserved the