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SANTAL FOLK-TALES,

said, “ You are a hero and no mistake.” The man replied, “No indeed, Iam no hero. Gumda, the widow’s son, threw the raja’s elephant across seven seas. He is the hero.” Gumda said “I am he.” “Then,” said the man,“I also will go with you.” “Follow me” said Gumda, and the three proceeded on their way.

As they journeyed they fell in with two men, who were raising water from a tank for irrigating purposes by merely singing. When Gumda saw them, he exclaimed, “You two are heroes indeed.” They answered, “ What do you see heroic in us? There is one hero, Gumda by name, he threw a raja’s elephant across seven seas.” Gumda said, “I am he.” The men exclaimed, “We also will follow you.” Gumda said, “Follow.” And the five men went forth to search for the elephant’s bones.

On and on they went until they reached the sea, which they crossed, and entered the primeval forest beyond. Selecting a suitable place they encamped, and began the search for the elephant’s bones. The first day the fisherman was left in the camp to cook the food, while the others went out into the forest. Near by a certain jugi raja resided in a cave in a rock. He came to the camp just as the food was cooked, and said to the fisherman, “Give me some rice to eat.” He declined, and the jugi raja then said, “ Will you give me rice, or will you fight with me?’ He replied, “I have prepared this food with difficulty and prefer fighting to giving it np.” So they fought, and the jugi raja was victor. He laid a heavy stone on the breast of the cook, and then devoured all the food. There had been twelve maunds of rice prepared, and he left none. After a long time he released his victim, and then went his way. Being released the fisherman set about preparmg more food, but before it was ready, his companions returned and seeing the pot still on the fire, they enquired why he had not made haste with his cooking. He replied “I have not been idle, I have spent all the time in cooking. He did not tell them about the jugi raja having been at the camp.