146 The Mahabharata; A Criticism,
vas must, go into exile again. "Well," said Bhishma,
"the question is a difficult one. In every five years
two months are found in excess* In these thirteen
years 5 months and 12 nights are in excess. The
Pandavas are versed in science and might claim these
to be deducted. The Pandavas have observed their
faith so far and would not have come forward unless
they felt justified. They do not wish to take anything
unjustly, but they would not give up what they can
justly claim." The evil-minded Duryodhana said no-
thing and the army of the Kauravas returned to
Hastinapura.
It was the first lesson in war Uttara had learnt and it
was under a great master. On returning home he
found that his father also had returned successful, assist-
ed as he had been by the four Pandavas. He at once
informed his father who Brihannada was, and the grate-
ful king offered to give his youthful daughter in mar-
riage to Arjuna. Arjuna said he had taught her as a
pupil and stood to her in the relation of a father. He
however accepted her for his son and the marriage was
celebrated with becoming festivities when Abhimanyu,
Arjuna's son, came from Dwaraka accompanied by
Krishna and his sister Subhadra. The aged king Dru-
pada also came to congratulate his sons-in-law on the
*end of their trouble, and he and Virata now asked them
to try with their assistance to regain their kingdom.