the oars, but the boats did not move. The men asked Rup if he had displeased the gods, or left undone some duty enjoined by them; and when he said that there was no fear of that, one of the helmsmen asked him if he had taken leave of his wife; and on his saying "No," advised him to return home and do so. He agreed to do as advised, and with some of the men went again blindfolded to Kanchanmala and said, "Unfortunate girl! I am about to start on a voyage, and I ask you to part with me in good grace. On my return home I will present you with a garland of pearls, and gold bracelets."
"You are my garland of pearls, my invaluable gem," Kanchan replied. "Take me with you as your servant."
"Oh, my men! Let us be off," cried Ruplal, disregarding her.
But the boatmen refused, saying, "We can't be off until you get leave from your wife."
"O wife! consent to my going, and I will fetch vermilion for your head," cried Ruplal.
But Kanchan again replied, "You are my precious vermilion. Take me with you to serve you."
"What is to be done?" shouted Ruplal in anger to his men. "Are you sure that the boats won't move because I have not taken leave of her?"
"Yes, we are sure," they answered. "You, sir, had better take her with you."
No further delay was possible. Kanchan's request was granted, but she was placed in an old shattered boat. Rup's boats made a speedy voyage, while the one occupied by her lagged considerably behind. Her husband, however, could not go beyond her sight.
The malini, in the meantime, burning with jealousy, took her niece with her, and ran along the bank of the river by which Rup's boats passed and shrieked at every port that of the two passengers in them, one was a ghost and the other a Petni,[1] and that they should be avoided. This was done
- ↑ A mischievous female ghost.
