over many hills and through many jungles, and braving the inclemencies of the elements, she began her ascent of the mountain on the thirty-third day of her journey. On seeing her, demons and ghosts, tigers, bears, and elephants, fierce snakes and other venomous reptiles all closed round her and threatened to devour her. She was addressed from behind as "Rajputra," but she neither turned her head back nor replied. Treated with contempt by her, her enemies disappeared, and she reached the place where the tree of silver with flowers of gold, and the tree of diamonds with birds of gold perched on it, stood. She saw also the net of pearls hanging over the trees. The birds of gold hailed her, and pointing out a clear spring told her to sprinkle some of its water on the two marble statues standing near by. She did as directed, and the statues were transformed into two human beings whom she instantly recognized as her brothers. They were naturally transported at this happy meeting. The brothers had been brought back to life, and the mountain had yielded its wonderful possessions. The brothers sped home with their sister, and their palace was soon adorned with Kirunmala's beautiful acquisitions.
Passers-by were dumbfounded at the sight of that rich mansion, fit for the reception of the gods. The king, being informed of its existence, hastened to the spot, and saw that it stood on the site of the house that had belonged to the youths by whom he had been entertained on a previous occasion. On inquiry, he found that those very persons were the owners of the mansion. Delighted at the visit of so great a personage, they invited him to spend the day with them and partake of the humble dinner that they were able to provide. He accepted the invitation, and arrangements were made to entertain him to the best of their power. In the meantime, one of the birds of gold that Kirun had brought asked her to place it in the dining-hall near the king, and she complied with its request.
At the hour appointed dinner was brought in, and plates
