Pike County press. (Milford, Pa.) 1895-1925, 1909-06-11
PREDICTION
OF THE STRAWS

mountains OF Iimalaya there was
once town called Kusalassa.
1t was two score yojanas from the
great realm of Kapilavastu. A wild
town it was, with few occupations
other than those of hunting ard agri
culture. A few there were who re
tanned some religion, but they were
in way, Stunned.
Gradually these people moved
farther away from Kusalassa and the
wild people took possession Of their
deserted fields. Then there were
slKirmishes between the two parties
and once or twice a man was killed
but they thought nothing of that. The
raiders we're called Sabbas, and al
first disliked their appellation. but aa
time wore on they came to rejoice in
1t and. out Of spite, termed their enc.
mics Kusalassas.
Now. the skirmishes became more
frequent and bloody, till finally there
occurred a real battle, in which arrow
and sword did such good service that
one-fourth Of the Sabbas and one-third
| OF the Kusalassas lost their lives, but
the latter. though outnumbered. won.
The smell Of altar and savory
dishes was everywhere to be noticed.
Before the image Of Ganesha, the
chief deity OF these people, stood a
red ram awaiting the butchers knife.
The crowd OF anxious spectators
intently as the priest-butcher ap-
preached. a silver-handled knife in his
hand. Then the incense arose more
strongly. and there we're cries to
Genesha to accept the sacrifce.>
Suddenly from those about the
image there came two people, a man
and a woman. The woman, in black
attire, her head covered with a veil,
clung to the mans arm.
The man, carrying a short sword
made Of talss wood, stepped up to the
priest and said in q steady voice: 20,
priestl Before thou slayest Mesha,
the ram, would say that have come
hither to wed Sulangana. whom thou
seest by my side We promised three
moons ago to wed after should have
slain a Saba. The battle of to-day
has brought our wishes to fruition."
Then many more stepped forward,
bearing sweet cakes and bags of grain
and one had bowl of milk.
1t seemed to have been premeditat.
cd. for every one had something for
the bride and groom.
A feast was soon spread, the guests
seated and the red rams throat slit
The priest caught the blood and sprin-
kled it upon the surface of the milk
Then two rice straws were produced
and dropped upon the Redeemed liquor.
Sulangana, and her future husband,
named Devatang, watched the straws
anxious. for if they met It signified
love till death. A shower of rice was
thrown over the two and altar was
sprinkled over the floor OF the house
OF Ganesha.
Now the fateful moment was at
hand.
The straws floated ever nearer to
each other, but they loated slowly. A
breeze from the doorway, and Just as
the two straws were about to touch
they were blown wide apart. A stihed
scream from Sulangana, a groan from
Devatang, a murmur frem the guests,
shake of the head from the priest;
the blood-stained milk was still and
the straws moved not Sulangana
sank to her knees.
Meanwhile, the dead bodies on the
field were being gathered and placed
on pyres erected hastily with brush
wood and felled trees. while the sill
very moon looked calmly on. Soon
the nauseating odor OF burned flesh
filled the air. was waited into the
house of the god Ganesha and reached
the nostrils Of Sulangana and Deva-
tang.
1t overpowered the odor Of altar.
Many people left the place with heavy
hearts. for the signs portended no
good. The eyes of the wooden Cane
sha stared sullenly upon the two peo-
pie, watching intently the motionless
rice-straws.
Two ANXIOUS hours passed; the
straws remained motionless.
Then with a shrek Sulangana faint
ed. Deyatang leant against a pillar
with a hand to his head, muttering
Oh, Suianganal It cannot apply to
me, for my neart will ever remain the
same! Then it must be-"
He was Interrupted by the entrance
Of man In a yellow gown whose face
bore an expression of sadness. He
perceived Sulangans on her face and
raised her with his hand.
20 what do see?" cried she, open.
ing her eyes. '''Tis the Rishi Of whom
they speak! 'Tis the Lord Buddha!"
and she fell at his feet and kissed his
hands.
so soon! So soonl" shrieked De
Tatang tearing his hair and clutching
bis dagger The stTaws did not lie
then! Sulangsna! What means this?
Who is this MANI"
Tor answer she again kissed Bud.
1ha's hands and cried "Oh save me-"
Sne meant for him to save her from
nc fate foretold by the straws, but
o Devatang 1t had another meaning
His heart was burning within him
and with a bound he was at his wife's
SIDE and his talas-wood sword was
through her heart.
Then recognizing Gautama. he
stared from the corpse al his feet 20
The horrifed, plying eyes that were
turned unOn bfn, and fagl fov.,r,r.7