They  all  travelled  together  to  the  sea,  and  there  took  ship
for  some  foreign  country.  As  soon  as  they  reached  their
destination  they  parted.  One  went  in  this  direction,
another  in  that,  and  the  third  in  another ;  but  before  they

1  Narrator's  name,  Makund  BSyii  of  Suthfi,  Sriaagar.
204  FOLK-TALES  OF  KASHMIR.
separated  they  each  bound  themselves  to  return  by  a
certain  time  to  the  spot  whence  they  had  parted.
The  two  elder  brothers  went  and  traded  with  their
money,  and  gained  immense  wealth,  but  the  youngest
brother  wandered  along  the  sea-coast,  encamping  here  and
there  as  it  pleased  him.
While  he  was  meditating  what  he  should  do  with  his
money,  a  gosdin  came  and  stayed  with  him  for  three
days.  The  holy  man  was  so  pleased  with  the  respect  and
attention  shown  to  him,  that  he  determined  to  reward
the  prince.
"I  am  very  grateful  for  your  piety  and  goodness,"  he
said.  "  Tell  me  your  name,  whence  you  came,  and  whither
you  are  going."

The  prince  explained  everything  to  him.
"  I  understand,"  said  the  gosdin.  "  You  must  stay  here.
Do  not  go  any  farther,  but  remain  here  till  your  brothers
return.  Send  your  servants  into  the  city  to  buy  as  much
corn  as  possible,  and  when  they  bring  it  throw  some  of  it
into  the  sea  every  day  till  it  is  all  gone.  Then  wait,  and
you  shall  reap  an  abundant  harvest."  Saying  this,  the
holy  man  blessed  him  and  departed.
The  prince  acted  according  to  the  advice  of  the  gosdin.
