Vaishampayana said Thereupon hearing their words, the king Duryodhana thought in his mind and then said to his courtiers.

It is very difficult to ascertain definitely the tide of affairs. Do you all ascertain where the Pandavas have gone.

Of these thirteen years which they have to pass hidden from us all, the greater portion has well-high elapsed and only a little remains.

And if they can truly pass the remaining portion of this year hidden from our view in pursuance of their vow they will then have fulfilled their pledge.

Forsooth, they, worked up with anger, will torment the Kauravas like the elephants in rut or virulent snakes.

Let them, with anger controlled, acquainted with all seasons, living in painful disguise, enter the woods again.

Do you all concert measures speedily for this, so that our kingdom may remain without enemies, rivals and diminution.

Thereupon Karna said : “O descendant of Bharata, let other spies, more, cunning, capable and better fitted for this work, proceed in disguise.

Let them range all over the country, various provinces over-flowing with population, assemblies of learned men and charming retreats of ascetics.

In inner apartments, places of pilgrimage, mines and various other places (they should be searched after) with vigilance and humility.

The Pandavas, living in disguise, should be searched after by a number of expert spies, devoted to this work, themselves disguised and well acquainted with the object of search.

On the banks of the rivers, in sacred shrines, villages, cities, hermitages, charming mountains and caves.

Thereupon his younger brother Dushasana, taking delight in sins, said before his elder brother.

O king, O lord of men, let those spies, in whom we have confidence, receive their remuneration in advance and proceed in search of them.

This and what Karna has said have my full approbation. As directed let all those spies search at all those places.

Let those and others make a due search in various countries. My belief is that their movements and whereabouts are not to be known.

They are living in very great secrecy; or perhaps they have gone to the other side of the ocean. Those respecters of heroes might have been devoured by wild animals in that huge forest.

Or overtaken by some dreadful calamity, they have perished for ever. Therefore, O Kuru chief, removing all anxiety from your heart, acquire what you may, working with your energy, O king.