“Vrihadaswa continued, ’And, O king, after Rituparna had gone away with Varshneya, Vahuka took the car to the stables.  And there freeing the steeds, and tending them according to rule, and soothing them himself, sat down on a side of the car.  Meanwhile, the princess of Vidharva, Damayanti, afflicted with grief, having beheld the royal son of Bhangasura, and Varshneya of the Suta race, and also Vahuka in that guise, asked herself, ’Whose is this car-rattle?  It was loud as that of Nala, but I do not see the ruler of the Nishadhas.  Certainly, Varshneya hath learnt the art from Nala, and it is for this the rattle of the car driven by him hath been even like that of Nala.  Or, is Rituparna equally skilled with Nala so that the rattle of his car seemeth to be like that of Nala?’ And reflecting thus, O monarch, the blessed and beauteous girl sent a female messenger in search of Nishada.”

SECTION LXXIV

“Damayanti said, ’O Kesini, go thou and learn who that charioteer is that sitteth by the car, unsightly and possessed of short arms.  O blessed one, O faultless one, approaching him, cautiously and with suit words, make thou the usual inquiries of courtesy and learn all particulars truly.  Having regard to the feeling of satisfaction my mind experienceth, and the delight my heart feeleth, I am greatly afraid this one is king Nala himself.  And, O faultless one, having inquired after his welfare, thou shalt speak unto him the words of Parnada.  And, O beauteous one, understand the reply he may make thereto.’  Thus instructed, that female messenger, going cautiously, while the blessed Damayanti watched from the terrace, addressed Vahuka in these words, ’O foremost of men, thou art welcome.  I wish thee happiness.  O bull among men, hear now the words of Damayanti.  When did ye all set out, and with what object have ye come hither.  Tell us truly, for the princess of Vidarbha wisheth to hear it.’  Thus addressed, Vahuka answered, the illustrious king of Kosala had heard from a Brahmana that a second Swayamvara of Damayanti would take place.  And hearing it, he hath come here, by the help of excellent steeds fleet as the wind and capable of going a hundred yojanas.  I am his charioteer.  Kesini then asked, ’Whence doth the third among you come, and whose (son) is he?  And whose son art thou, and how hast thou come to do this work?’ Thus questioned, Vahuka replied, ’He (of whom thou inquirest) was the charioteer of the virtuous Nala, and known to all by the name of Varshneya.  After Nala had, O beauteous one, left his kingdom, he came to the son of Bhangasura.  I am skilled in horse-lore, and have, therefore, been appointed as charioteer.  Indeed, king Rituparna hath himself chosen me as his charioteer and cook.’  At this Kesini rejoined, ’Perhaps Varshneya knoweth where king Nala hath gone, and O Vahuka, he may also have spoken to thee (about his master).’  Vahuka then said, ’Having