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 30 of that, for it stands on the borders of the Rakshas' territory. When there, turn the stone on the ring I have given you towards the palm of your hand; and you will instantly fall through the earth into the space below the mountain, where the Rakshas' Rajah holds his Court, and find yourself in his daughter's presence. Tell her you are my husband; she will love and help you for my sake.' Hera Bai so saying disappeared, and Seventee Bai continued her journey until she reached the mountaintop, where she turned the ring round as she had been bidden, and immediately found herself falling through the earth, down, down, down, deeper and deeper, until at last she arrived in a beautiful room, richly furnished, and hung round with cloth of gold. In every direction, as far as the eye could reach, were thousands and thousands of Rakshas; and in the centre of the room was a gold and ivory throne, on which sat the most beautiful Princess that it is possible to imagine. She was tall, and of a commanding aspect; her black hair was bound by long strings of pearl; her dress was of fine spun gold, and round her waist was clasped a zone of restless, throbbing, light-giving diamonds; her neck and her arms were covered with a profusion of costly jewels; but brighter than all shone her bright eyes, which looked full of gentle majesty. She could see Seventee Bai, although her attendants could not, because of the magic ring; and as soon as she saw her she started, and cried, 'Who are you? How came you here?' Seventee Bai answered, 'I am Seventee Rajah, the husband of the Lady Hera, and I have come here by the power of the magic ring you gave her.' The Rakshas Princess then said, 'You are welcome: but you must know that your coming is attended with much danger; for, did the guard placed around me by my father know of your presence, they would instantly put you to death, and I should be powerless to save you. Tell me, why did you come?' Seventee Bai answered, 'I came to see you, beautiful lady; tell me your name, and how it is you are here all alone.' She replied, 'I am the Rakshas' Rajah's only daughter, and my name is Tara Bai (the Star Lady), and because my father loves me very much he has built this palace for me, and placed this great guard of Rakshas all round it for many thousand miles, to prevent any one coming in or out without his permission.

'So great is the state they keep, that I seldom see my father and mother; indeed, I have not seen them for several years. Nevertheless, I will go now in person to implore their protection