thus time went on, till balna's son was fourteen years old. then, one day, his aunts told him the history of the family; and no sooner did he hear it, than he was seized with a great desire to go in search of his father and mother and uncles, and if he could find them alive to bring them home again. his aunts, on learning his determination, were much alarmed and tried to dissuade him, saying, "we have lost our husbands, and our sister and her husband, and you are now our sole hope; if you go away, what shall we do?" but he replied, "i pray you not to be discouraged; i will return soon, and if it is possible bring my father and mother and uncles with me." so he set out on his travels; but for some months he could learn nothing to help him in his search.