Page:Wonder Tales from Tibet.djvu/126

94 Prince's son because she was the fairest of all, he bade her go quickly to the roof and welcome the strange messenger as he alighted.

The damsel hastened to obey and stood waiting and marvelling as the great wooden monster drew near. Imagine her joy when it came whirring to a standstill, disclosing her own dear husband seated within it! In a flash he had caught her up and before the astonished Khan and his court could realize what was happening, the "Bird of Paradise" had left the palace roof far behind and was only a vanishing speck in the distance. "And did they escape out of the country? And were the five faithful friends rewarded?" asked the Prince eagerly, as the Siddhi-kur ceased speaking.

"Indeed, yes!" said he, and he laughed merrily. "The Prince's son and his lovely wife, and old foster-father and mother, and the five companions all left