134 CRADLE TALES OF HINDUISM
the twofold token of the talisman and the memory, she knew that her place of imprisonment would stand accredited.
"Lady," said the monkey, as he put his cold aose down on the earth to salute her, before leaving the garden, "how easily could I carry you home to Rama on my back ! I am larger and stronger than you think. The matter to me would be a small one!"
The Queen had drawn herself back as he spoke, and a change had come over her face, as though she remembered that other wild flight through the evening shadows, when Ravana, like some gigantic bird of prey, had carried her through the skies to Lanka. '^ Oh no 1 " she said, half hesitating, lest she should hurt her servant, yet «rholly firm, ** I could not let any one take me home except my husband himself ! "
<^ And that is well 1 " said Hanuman, feeling deep satisfaction within himself at her reply. '^ For I think that my master also would desire for him- self the honour of liberating you. It will not be long till he reaches you, and then you will be royally avenged. But now I feel my wild monkey- nature hot within me, and I have it in mind to do Ravana some mischief ere I leave this place."
A whisk of his tail, and another salutation, and he was gone, leaving the captive lonely indeed, but full of hope. Next day she remembered his
