Page:The jade story book; stories from the Orient (IA jadestorybooksto00cous).pdf/383

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RASALU, THE FAKIR
367

Rasalu said, "You are a pretty fakir to try to outwit me or any one."

Then was the fakir irritated and ashamed, and he said, "O King, this is only the abode of poor holy men, and not Gangar, which is the home of the seven famous giants. If you would achieve renown, conquer these, for none will come to you for lording it over fakirs."

To this the Rájá replied, "O fakir, you taunt me. Now, as I am the descendant of the great King Bikrámájit, I make a vow never to return to my home until I have defeated the giants of whom you speak. Tell me how I may find them."

The fakir told him the way, and said, "I pray for your success, and this will come to you if you will observe the two following conditions: First, do not draw sword, and next, kill no woman."

So Rájá Rasalu set out for Gangar. Now Gangar was the name also of the most mighty giant of all the seven, and the mountain which was named after him was full of enormous caverns, which were the homes of himself and of his comrades.