1904.] W. N. Edwards & H. H. Mann —Assamese Fortification . 261 
did not re-appear, {he king went to seek him. He found him lying 
dead on the floor, strangled by means of his own turban. Beside him 
lay a leaf on which he had scratched some words with his finger-nail 
In these words the devoted minister instructed Joypira to inflate the 
dead body and using it as a float to escape with all expedition to the 
opposite shore. Penetrated with admiration, at this proof of attach¬ 
ment, Joypira hastened to obey his friend’s counsel, and reached his 
troops in safety. Eager to wipe off his disgrace, he made a sudden 
attack upon Arimuri, slew him, and left his country a depopulated 
waste.” 
This last story thus contains no reference to the tradition that 
Arimatta was abandoned by his people after killing his father. What¬ 
ever story be accepted, the close connection of Arimatta, with the forti¬ 
fications we have described is clearly indicated by the numerous different 
traditions in connection with them. 
J. i. 34 
