Page:The jade story book; stories from the Orient (IA jadestorybooksto00cous).pdf/63

Rh and because I have many thousands of genii surrounding the palm trees, who kill anyone attempting to approach the place."

All this Balna told her son, at the same time imploring him to make no attempt to kill the parrot.

But the young Prince replied: "Dear Mother, if I do not find that parrot, neither you nor my uncles can be liberated. Do not fear; I shall return in good season. In the meantime, keep the Magician in good humor, and put off the marriage with him in any way you can. Before he finds out the reason for the delay I will return." With this he went away.

He travelled many weary miles through a very desolate country, and at last came to a thick jungle. Being very tired, he sat down under a tree and fell asleep. Suddenly he was awakened by a rustling sound, and looking about him, saw a large serpent making its way to an eagle's nest which was in the tree beneath which he was, and in the nest were two young eagles. He at once drew his sword and killed the serpent. At this moment a rushing sound was heard in