Pratap. Shai! We are safe now—no one is pursuing us.
Shaibalini. Let us then get up on the bank.
Pratap. Shai!
Shaibalini. What will you say, Pratap?
Pratap. Do you still remember?
Shaibalini. What is it, Pratap?
Pratap. Do you remember that never-to-be-forgotten-day, when we both swam in the river as we do now?
Shaibalini made no answer. A large piece of wood was floating away close to them; Shaibalini caught hold of it, and said to Pratap,
"Hold it—it shall bear your weight. Take some rest."
Pratap did so, and said, "Do you remember that on that occasion I sank into the water to drown myself, but you could not?"
"Yes I do," replied Shaibalini. "But if you had not again addressed me in that fond affectionate manner, I would have here paid off the debt I owe you. Why have you revived in me the happy memories of a pleasant past by your affectionate call?"
Pratap. Then, you know that I can drown myself here, if I like?
150
