Ancient Indian Colonies in the Far East (Vol. I: Champa; Vol. II: Suvarnadvipa) v2.c13.328

v2.c13.328

is a river which changes into stone everything that falls into it. They cross it by holding on to the bamboos which overhang the banks¹. This is “the bamboos’ path” (*Vaṃśapatha*). Further on, they meet a narrow path between two precipices. They light a fire with wet branches; the smoke attracts some Kirātas who come and propose to sell them some goats; the adventurers get on those goats, the only animals sure-footed enough to be able to follow the narrow edge without feeling giddy. This is “the goats’ path” (*Ajapatha*). The adventurers do not come to the end of it without some difficulty as another gang is approaching from the opposite direction. A struggle ensues, but Ācera’s troops are able to pass through after having thrown their enemies into the ravines. Sānudāsa begins to feel indignant at the fierceness of the gold-seekers. Ācera orders his followers to slay the goats and to put on their skins with the inside out. Huge birds will mistake those men for a heap of raw meat, come and carry them away to their aerie. It is there the gold is! Sānudāsa attempts to save the goat he was riding, but his companions are pitiless. Everything takes place as Ācera had foretold, but the bird which carries off Sānudāsa is attacked by another bird which attempts to steal his prey. The goat’s skin bursts open and Sānudāsa falls in a tank which is in the heart of a luxuriant forest. The next day he comes to a river the banks of which are of golden sand; near by, there is a hermitage from which a hermit comes out.’