Nicomar, with sorrowful, halting gait, went from his august presence.
He sought without delay the quietude of his own rooms. He was well-nigh distracted. From many difficult predicaments he had with consummate tact and skill extricated himself, but from this there seemed no escape.
He beat his breast and tore his hair. He consulted the wise men and the stars; looked for this sign and for that; prayed long and fervently, and propitiated the gods in many ways, but all to no purpose.
He took no food or rest; he dared not think of what awaited him in the near future.
So a week went by, and he was no nearer finding a loophole through which to escape.
On the seventh day he sought the King, and craved humbly to know if he had understood him aright, or had he been but jesting with him.
His Majesty was deeply incensed at being questioned, and let the full torrent of his displeasure fall upon the head of his luckless servitor.
Swearing many oaths by the sacred hairs of Buddha that his will should be obeyed, he had him thrust ignominiously from his presence.
Then Nicomar went from out the palace and the city far into the lonely country, seeking he knew not what. For days he wandered wearily through thick jungle and silent forest ways, stepping but slowly in the long, dank grass.
He suffered greatly, and suffered without hope.
On the fifth day he came to where a broad river flowed and sparkled between high green banks.
Some Burmese, driving bullocks, were resting beside it, while in the distance were a few mud huts.
Nicomar, who was footsore and faint, sank down at the foot of a banana tree.
His garments were torn by branches and brambles, his sight was blinded by the sun, his mouth parched with thirst.
Idly he watched the Burmese from where he sat.
Soon it became apparent that they desired to cross that glittering expanse of water, but evidently knew not how to accomplish it.
Nicomar, tired of thinking of his own miseries, grew unconsciously interested.
Three of them twisted their silk pasohs up about their waists, and tried to wade the river; but it was too deep, and they returned, seemingly much perplexed.
Then they consulted together; whereupon one among them--evidently against the desire of his companions, as their gestures betokened--took the rope of his bullock between his teeth, and diving into the river, with a good imitation of swimming reached the other side.