On hearing this, Phra Abhai Mani felt rather uncomfortable. But Sin Samudr merely laughed and said to his father, "Leave it to me. I shall stay and talk to mother. But you must hurry on." 38 39 The merman exclaimed: "Alas! My strength is all spent I can go no further. Neither can my wife. But I still have my daughter." And calling his daughter to him, the merman said, "Your father has reached the end of his days. But you must carry on in my place. It falls upon you to bear the Prince for the rest of the journey to the safety of the island." The mermaid obediently came alongside, and Phra Abhai Mani changed his mount. She was young and strong, and could easily carry the Prince and yet swim swiftly. So Phra Abhai Mani and the mermaid went on alone.