unkind lads were standing and spoke long and earnestly with them. But, as it had been in the two other cases, so it was now; Shrikantha argued in vain and finally had to offer his last treasure that the bear might go free. Then he started forth again empty-handed.
"I might as well go back to my father," he thought, "yet not so—he will but chide me for foolish kindness of heart! I will continue on my way, for surely Dame Fortune will repay me for what I have lost in so good a cause!" Fortune, however, was minded to do otherwise.
Now the road to the city led Shrikantha directly by the palace of the Khan, and just as he was passing the great gate, he heard shouts and confusion within and immediately a man dashed out.
"Run! Run for your life!" he cried, as he rushed past, and Shrikantha, without stopping to think, did as he was told.
He heard the roar of many voices and the running steps of many feet behind
