Page:Tales of the Punjab.pdf/112

90 dreamt bad dreams, and fear lest evil should befall you.'

The King, to allay their anxiety, promised regard for their wishes, and set out towards the south; but as luck would have it, although he hunted diligently, he found no game.Nor had he greater success to the east or west, so that, being a keen sportsman, and determined not to go home empty-handed, he forgot all about his promise, and turned to the north.Here also he met at ﬁrst with no reward, but just as he had made up his mind to give up for that day, a white hind with golden horns and silver hoofs ﬂashed past him into a thicket.{gap}}So quickly did it pass, that he scarcely saw it; nevertheless a burning desire to capture and possess the beautiful strange creature ﬁlled his breast.He instantly ordered his attendants to form a ring round the thicket, and so encircle the hind; then, gradually narrowing the circle, he pressed forward till he could distinctly see the white hind panting in the midst.Nearer and nearer he advanced, when, just as he thought to lay hold of the beautiful strange creature, it gave one mighty bound, leapt clean over the King's head, and ﬂed towards the mountains. Forgetful of all else, the King, setting spurs to his horse, followed at full speed.On, on he galloped, leaving his retinue far behind, but keeping the white hind in view, and never drawing bridle, until, ﬁnding himself in a narrow ravine with no outlet, he reined in his steed.Before him stood a miserable hovel, into which, being tired after his long unsuccessful chase, he entered to ask for a drink of water.An old woman, seated in the hut at a spinning-wheel, answered his request by call-