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NOVEMBER, 1896.)
THE DEYIL WORSHIP OF THE TULUVAS.
303
So, from the next day, Sama Aļwa took his nephew with him to the forest, and taught him everything. Afterwards, Sayana Beidya continued to go to the forest to draw toddy from the palm-trees of the forest of Parmale. After some days the relatives of Sama Alwa who had come for the marriage returned to their homes.
So, as days went on, Deyi Beidyadi proved to be a very wise and carefal housewife. She also knew many medicines, and by her prescriptions she cured many diseases. Her fame spread in all directions, and many who had diseases consulted her, and took her medicines, and were cured. In course of time she conceived, and became pregnant within a year after her marriage. When her mother-in-law came to know it, she informed her brother, and said: "O brother, our Deyi Beidyadi has become pregnant."
To this, he replied: - "God has been gracious to her, and He will be with her and bless her. We need not have any anxiety on account of her."
In this manner he encouraged her. While they were thus talking, a man came from the Ballal to call Sama Alwa. So Sama Aļwa at once accompanied him to the Ballal's budu.. The Balla! was sitting on the throne. Sama Aļwa went and prostrated himself before him Then the BallAļ told Sama Aļwa to rise. A stool was brought and given to Sama Aļwa and he sat upon it. Then the Ballkļ inquired of Sama Aļwa about his welfare, and of his family. He replied that he and his family were very well and happy. The Balláļ thereupon said that he had intended to give him a present after the marriage of his nephew. Sama Aļwa said: "O Sir, everything we enjoy is on account of your bounty. Then why should you give us a present ?"
At this, the Ballâļ said: "As you are my friend, the palm-climber of my forest ; therefore I ought to give you a good present."
At this. Sama Alwa said: “The rice and the salt we eat is yours. What need is there that you should give us any present "
Bat the Ballkļ, not minding these words, called his accountant and told him to go and bring twelve pagodas. He brought them and gave them to the Balláļ. The BallAl called Sama A]wa, and gave him the twelve pagodas. Sama Aļwa stretched forth his hands, bowed his head, and took the pagodas, and thanked the Balla[ for his present. The Balla! said to him :
O Sama Aļws, you must take these twelve pagodas, and get a golden bangle prepared out of them, and wear it upon your wrist. This is my present to you. Next year I will give you besides a golden chain to put on your wrist."
Ho replied :-"O Sir, by your kindness alone I am living comfortably."
At this the Balla] said: -"You get me fifty pagodas every year for the toddy you draw out of the palm-trees of the forest of Parmale. If it were not for you, I would not get so much. There is none so bold as to go to the forest. A stupid fellow will not be able to supply your place. If my tenants are rich and able to pay, I shall not become poor."
Then Sama Aļws said: “May I speak one word to my master? If you will not be displeased with me, I will say it."
Then the Ballal ordered him to say on. Then he said: "O Sir, I wish to give & small present to you. I wish to give you a pair of racing-buffaloes."
Then the Ballal said: "What! A pair of racing-buffaloes P Why do you wish to give me such a big present ? I think that the present which I have given you is a very small one. A land-lord may give presents to his tenants. But a tenant will be rained if he thinks of giving presents to the land-lord."
At this, Sama Alwa bowed to the Ballal and humbly besought him to receive his present of a pair of racing-buffaloes, and not to be displeased with him. At this the Balla! at last
