suitors from far and near posted themselves outside the house, and made little holes in the fence, in the hope of catching a glimpse of the princess as she went from one room to the other along the veranda. they stayed there day and night, sacrificing even their sleep for a chance of seeing her, but all in vain. then they approached the house, and tried to speak to the old man and his wife or some of the servants, but not even this was granted them.