Page:Life in Java Volume 1.djvu/267

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LEGEND OF ARUMAN.
249

which shone like lamps, to guide him out of the jungles.

"Aruman now made straight for his paternal home, on approaching which he met his cruel father a short distance from the house. The memory of his past sufferings rising before his mind, at sight of him his anger was aroused. Seizing his father, he would have despatched him with his kriss, but the recollection of the strange vision of the pigeon arrested him, and he released the wretched man, whom remorse and fear had made helpless in his hands.

"'Go to Mecca, and wash your heart clean in the waters of Zem Zem,' said Aruman; and his father, flying from his presence, was never heard of again.

"Aruman next went indoors, where he found Ma Qualoan sitting, counting over her ornaments. He would have killed her at once, but for the same vision, which constantly flitted before his