country is infested by the enemy; I shall be exceedingly afraid to come again."
"If you shouldn't think it wrong," said the Prince, after reflecting a little, "I can go along with you to Garmandaran. I'll wait at some fit place, where you will bring me her mind."
"Come then, Sir," replied Bimala delightfully.
They were about to sally out, when they heard the sounds of cautious steps outside the temple.
"Have you brought a companion with you?" demanded the Prince, with a little surprise.
"Oh no," said Bimala.
"Whose steps can we have heard then? I am afraid somebody outside has overheard our conversation."
He thereupon came out and went all round the temple, but found none.
CHAPTER XVII.
VIRA PANCHAMI.[1]
After bowing down to Saileshwara, Jagat Singha and Bimala set out for Garmandaran, in an alarmed spirit. After proceeding in silence for some time, the Prince said,
"Bimala, I am curious about one thing. I don't know what you will say, when you hear it."
- ↑ This word is compounded of वीर (hero) and पञ्चमी (the fifth day of the full or the new moon). There is no such rite mentioned in the Shastras.
