Page:The Enchanted Parrot.djvu/96

92 surpassing might of an elephant is made subject to man."

IN a town called Vatsoma lived a Brâhman as poor as he was wise. His wife's name was Karagarâ (the poisoner) and it fitted her to a nicety. All the animals for miles round were terrified at her, and a certain goblin who lived in a tree near the house was so much afraid of her that he ran away into the forest. Soon after the Brâhman followed their example for the same reason, and left his home. In the course of his journey he met this goblin; and the goblin said to him, " You seem to have had a long journey. You must be tired and hungry, come with me and I will give you something to eat."

The Brâhman, who recognized the quality of his would-be host, felt a little nervous and said: " With pleasure, but if I accept your hospitality will you let me go again ? " " Certainly I will," replied the goblin, " you need not be the least afraid. The fact is this. I know who you are, for you were once my master. I used to live in a tree just out-