Page:The Folk-Lore Journal Volume 1 1883.djvu/152

144 pierced the heart of his foe, and fell four yards beyond. Then the King went forward sword in hand and smote off the traitor's head.

There was a sense of savage exultation at the heart of Rájá Rasálu as he reflected, "To-day I have brought my wife no venison. Yet she shall have venison daintier than ever she tasted before." The headless body lay at his feet. Stripping it of its rich clothing, he cut off some of the flesh, and took it with him into the castle, rolling aside the ponderous gate, and closing it again with a giant's strength.

Having made his preparations, he went to the apartments of the Queen, who was amazed to see him, for her conscience smote her. "Does he suspect anything?" said she. It was impossible for the King to avoid noticing that water had been recently drawn from the well by means of the heavy treadle, too difficult for the slender strength of his wife to move. Nor did it escape his observation that his favourite hookah was standing by. The evidence was conclusive, therefore, that his rival had been not only in the mangoe-tree but in the castle itself. Regarding his Ráni with a sorrowful air, he said:

The Queen hastened to answer, "All this I did myself." But, in her mind, she said, "Has some one betrayed me? "

Then the King entered the chamber where the carpets and cushions lay in disorder. "Who has been here?" asked he. "Who but myself? No one," said she. But to herself she said, "Alas! what next?"

Then the King looked about him, and observed that both the birds' cages were empty. "Ah!" said he, "where are the parrot and the mina?" "I let out the parrot and the mina," answered she, "for fresh air. They must be in the mangoe-trees.." [sic] But her heart failed her, and she thought, "Now the truth must come out."

Then the King went to the door, and cried, "Miámittu! Miámittu!" And the parrot heard, and replied from the mangoe-tree, "Here I am, but my body shakes with fear. I dare not enter the palace." He held out his hand, and she flew on to it. And the King said, "You and the mina bird were left by me to guard and protect the Queen. My confidence has been abused. All this has been going on, and you did not tell me." The parrot answered, "I