The Siddhi-kur paused and bit into a mango which he had brought with him, munching in silence for some time.
"Found what?" cried the Khan's son, standing still to wonder. "I know! He found that Shrikantha was already dead with hunger, having waited so long for his friends!"
"No, not at all!" said the Siddhi-kur. "Nothing of the sort! Shrikantha was sitting on the shore, patiently awaiting the return of his friends. As soon as the mouse had handed him the magic blue stone, he wished back all the good things he had had before and a wise and beautiful wife to enjoy it all with him. And you may be sure the lady took charge of the talisman as soon as they were married, so there was no danger of their losing their fortune again, as poor, foolish, kind-hearted Shrikantha had lost it before.
"However, if the Prince wishes my story to end otherwise, he may finish it to suit himself. Meanwhile, since he has
