Page:Wonder Tales from Tibet.djvu/192

156 "I want all the possessions Shrikantha has, and I desire him to return to the place and state in which he was when this talisman was given to him!"

In a flash, Shrikantha found himself again on the island in the river, with not a sign of all his former wealth and glory about him. He sat down on the ground and beat his forehead with his hands.

"What a miserable fool I have been!" said he to himself, over and over again.

"Yes, you have been foolish, Master!" said a squeaky little voice in his ear, "but truly in kindness have you been so." Looking around, Shrikantha saw his friend, the little mouse.

"Of what avail is it that my heart is kind, if by that very kindness I lose everything I have in the world?" said he with a sigh, refusing to be comforted.

"You have not lost everything," corrected the mouse, "you still have three faithful friends who were won to you forever by that same kind heart of yours."