die under it. When he is dead, your secret will be safe; you can visit
the princess as often as you like; and, doubtless, in the end the
king, rather than disgrace his daughter, will consent to your
marriage; and as he has no other child, will make you his successor.'

"With this proposal he was quite delighted; and has been treating you
well, that you may have strength for the work. He intends to ask you
to begin to-night; and has sent me to persuade you, believing me to be
devoted to his interests, and looking forward to some great reward
when he has got his wish."

Having heard this from the old woman, I gave her great praise, and
said: "Lose no time. Tell him I am quite ready to do the work."

After this, Kantaka came to me, told me what he wanted, and swore a
solemn oath that I should be liberated when the work was done; and I,
in return, swore to keep his secret.

Then he took off my fetters; I got a bath and a good dinner, and
presently set to work in a dark corner, under the wall. Soon after
midnight the work was done, and an opening made into the courtyard of
the women's apartments.

Before returning, I thought to myself "This man has sworn an oath
which he intends to break: for the preservation of my own life,
therefore, I shall be justified in killing him."

Having formed this resolution, I went back to the prison, where
Kantaka was waiting for me. He told me it was necessary to replace my
fetters for the present; and I appeared to acquiesce. But as he was