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NOVEMBEX, 1896.)
THE DEVIL WORSHIP OF THE TULUVAS.
305
So, food was prepared for all of them, and they sat down in rows according to their caste, and food was served to them. And they took their meal and slept there. The next day the Balla called them all and examined their weapons and instruments, their bows, arrows, and snares; and called Malla, the keeper of the dogs, to bring the dogs. When the dogs were brought, he was pleased with them and told tire keeper to give them rice mixed with milk. So rice mixed with milk was brought and given to the dogs, but the dogs only mifred at it and would not eat. Then the Ballab said :-" Malla, why is it that the dogs will not ent this rice mixed with milk P"
He replied - They will never eat just before going on - hunt, even if you give them the most dainty food."
Afterwards he called Golla, and examined the gans and ballets and ammunition, and saw that everything was in the best possible condition. Then he called Paddyala, and told him to shew the bows and arrows, and was pleased with Paddyala, the keeper of the bows and arrows, because they were in a very efficient condition. And, in this manner, he examined everything himself, the snares, the darts and many other instruments of linnting. The men, every one of them, praised the superiority of lvis own instrument and boasted of his former exploita. In this manner time passed, and as it had become late, the hwnt was postponed for the next day. The Balla! said :-"To-morrow, very early in the morning, before the crow alight on the ground, we must start for the hunt. To-day all of you must take your meals in my budu. In the meantime you mast all sharpen your weapons. Your darts, arrows and all sorts of weapons must be in the best condition possible."
At this all were very glad, and every one went to mind his own business. So, on the next day, very early in the morning, they all started for the hunt with bows and arrows, darts and guns and various other instruments of destruction, and took many dogs with them. Thus tbey went out to hunt. The Balla) also went with them. When they reached the great forest of Parmale the day began to dawn. The Balla) gave them ordere. He stationed half of them in soch places that the wild beasts must pass them. He sent the other half with the dogs into the forest, telling them to make as much noise as possible and frighten the wild benets and drive them before them. They took great sticks and struck at thickets and beshes, and made a great noise. Thongli they were quise tired they did not find any wild beasts. So they returned quite tired and without finding a single will benst; and maid to the Brutal :-" It seems that the moment of our starting was not auspicious. Otherwise in this great forest, where tigers, bears and wolves and suck wild beants abound, we must have found some wild beasts."
Then the Balla! made a vow and said: "If I get at least one wild beast, I will give e Tambila to the Bhůta in our house."
After the Balla! had said this, they agnin started and began to beat at the thickets and bushes and halloed, and yelled and made as much noise as possible. Then a big boar came in sight, and the dogs at once gave chase and overtook it ; and as it came to the place where t! hunters were stationed, Golla the hunter fired at it and the bullet touk effect and the boar fell down and rolled about and writher in agony. Then they speared it and killed it. The BallaỊ was told of this, and was very glad, and came mgerly to see. As he was coining a kind of poisonous thorn pierced his leg below the knee. Blood began to flow from the wound, and lie fell down insensible. When Sama Awa came near he saw the Ballal in so state of insensibility. At once he tore off a big piece of cloth from his lhotra and tied it to the Ballal's leg and tried to stop the bleeding. He called to the Ballal, but the Balla! could not speak. His face became pale. Then a young coconut was brought, and a little of its water was put into his mouth and some was sprinkled on his face. After some time he became conscious. Then he was blowly lifted up and carefnlly laid in the palanquin and brought back to the bud. After a time bis leg became swollen, and a great burning
