"Hear then what you must do," the whale said. "Go along the shore, and
when you come to a river, follow it up to its source. There you will
meet some one who will show you the way. But do me one kindness. After
you have found the old woman, ask her how I can swim about safely
without so often knocking on the rocks and being thrown up on the
sands."
"I will gladly do that for you," Channa said.
Then she thanked the whale and walked on along the shore. At length she
came to a river and followed it up to its source in a beautiful open
country of meadows starred with flowers. There she met a mouse who said
to her, "Where are you going all alone, my pretty maiden?"
"I am seeking the Mother of Time," Channa replied.
"You have a long way to go," the mouse commented. "But do not lose
heart. Go to yonder mountain, and you will obtain more news to help you
in your search. And when you find the Mother of Time, will you do me one
favor? Ask her what we mice can do to get rid of the tyranny of the
cats."
Channa promised to do this for the mouse, and trudged off toward the
mountain. When she got to it she sat down on a stone to rest. Some ants
were busy close by, and one of them addressed Channa, saying, "Who are
you and whither are you going?"