Page:Santal Folk Tales.djvu/48

This page needs to be proofread.
36
SANTAL FOLK-TALES,

heard continually w ailing, " I shall never recover ; I shall die." After the doctors had retired baffled, she addressed her parents as follows ; " You, who gave me life, listen to my entreaty. There is one expedient still, which if you will agree to put into execution, I shall recover, and be as well as formerly, and should you refuse to do as I say, and ca,ll it foolishness, then you shall never see my face again, I shall depart this life at once." On hearing these words, her parents said, " Tell us, what it is, we will surely act agreeably to your wishes." She replied, " Oh ! father, promise me that you will carry them out without reserve." Her parents then promised with an oath, that they would do all she desired. Then she told her story, " Of late we have daily seen a young man in dazzling white apparel, riding and curvet-ing his horse through the city ; if you betroth me to that young prince, I shall enjoy my accustomed health again."

On hearing this, her parents became greatly distressed, as they were averse to betrothing their daughter to a stranger of whom they knew nothing. After consulting together they said, " He comes this way in the evening, let us look out for him, and see what he is like." About sunset, Sit, mounted on his horse, rode in the direction of the palace. The raja had given orders to some of his attendants to arrest the man who, every evening dressed in white, rode past the palace. So, on his appearing, they laid hold of him and led him into the presence of the raja, who being pleased with his appearance, at once introduced him to his daughter's room. She, on beholding him, instantly be-came well, and that same evening the two were married.

Bosont having charge of the property remained in the Sarai, while his brother went out riding. Sit not returning at his usual time, Bosont was alarmed and waited anxiously for his return. At length, being wearied, he fell asleep. During the night a gang of thieves entered his room, and began to carry off all his valuables. Bosont slept so soundly that they had time