202 LIFE IN JAVA.
time for breath, a murmur of displeasure ran through the assembly, and man}!- partisans of the young prince, avIio were anxious that he should disinherit the rightful heir, advanced to check the old man ; but a stern glance from their sovereign, who took upon himself to answer the speech of the seer, obliged them to retire.
" Perhaps, old man," said the monarch, mildly, "you are not aware that the young prince Sukorini was the bearer of the medicine ; you dare not impute a thought of dishonour to him?"
" I was perfectly aware, O king, of this ; and if I may be so bold as to ask a few minutes' con- versation with him, I may be able to convince you of the truth of my statement," replied the old man.
On being told that Sukorini stood near him, he asked him if he had seen his brother since he left the court ; and, upon the prince answering in the negative, said :
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