gangazara, calling again to mind the "death on the sea-shore" of the prophecy lifted him up. he, like the tiger-king, walked round him thrice, and prostrating himself before him spoke thus: "oh, my life-giver, my father, for so i must call you, as you have given me another birth. i was three days ago basking myself in the morning sun, when i saw a rat running before me. i chased him. he fell into this well. i followed him, but instead of falling on the third storey where he is now lying, i fell into the second. i am going away now to see my father. whenever you are in any difficulty just think of me. i will be there by your side to assist you by all possible means." so saying, the nagaraja glided away in zigzag movements, and was out of sight in a moment.