Page:Tales from the Indian Epics.djvu/87

Rh to Vidarbha to pay you my homage." Then King Bhima in turn was amazed. For the land of King Rituparna was far from Vidarbha and he knew that he would not have come so far merely to pay his homage. But he also hid his wonder and again bade his guest welcome and gave him a palace to dwell in, hoping that in time he would unravel Rituparna's secret.

Then Nala unyoked the horses from the chariot and led them past the window where Damayanti sat watching. But he was so changed by grief and travel and his charioteer's dress that Damayanti was not sure that he was her husband. She called her serving maid Keshini. "O Keshini," she said, "go to the stables and speak with Vahuka the charioteer, and ask him who he is. For I think that he is my husband King Nala. But he is so changed that I cannot recognize him. So make enquiries of him and also give him the message which formerly I gave to Parnada." Keshini went down into the courtyard and approached Vahuka the charioteer. "Good Sir," said Keshini, "tell me what brought you here. For Queen Damayanti, daughter of King Bhima, wishes to know Rituparna's errand." "Fair serving maid," answered Nala, "a Brahman came to the court and told King Rituparna that Queen Damayanti would hold a second Swayamwara. So he drove here furiously, hoping to win her hand." "But," said the serving maid, "tell me, good charioteer, whose son you are and what post you hold under King Rituparna." King Nala answered, "I am, as you see, the king's charioteer but I also cook for him." "Pardon me yet another question," said Keshini. "Have you as charioteer to King Rituparna learnt by any chance where Queen