Dark was the night and weird the atmosphere. It rained continuously, and cracks of thunder shook the region. Flashes of lightning revealed fear some faces.The howls of jackals were at times subdued by the eerielaughter of ghosts.
But King Vikram did not swerve. He climbed the ancient tree and brought thecorpse down and threw it across his shoulders. But as soon as he begancrossing the desolate cremation ground,the vampire that possessed the corpsere marked: "O King, I do not know what opportunity you are seeking through this unusual labour of yours. Are you sure you can make the right use of the opportunity when it comes to you? Well, there are instances of people craving for an opportunity, only to give it up when it actually comes. Let megive you an example. Listen to my narration with attention. That ought to bring you some relief."
The vampire then narrated the following story: Yearsago, Suraj Singh ruled over Vinaypur. He was anun worthy king. He spent a major portion of the taxes hecollected from people for his own luxury.
Once a year the king held an assembly of the learn edmen of his kingdom. They sang the king's praise and were given handsome rewards. Their false praise flattered theking. He was happy.
There was one man who proved a thorn in the wayof the king and his officers. He was a bandit, popularly known as Bhimvir. Along with his few well-trained lieutenants, he would confront the officers or wealthy merchants and loot them. The king tried to catch him, butall his efforts were futile.
One evening, a scholar named Rohit Pandey was returning home from the assembly. He happened to passby a lonely road. Suddenly, Bhimvir sprang up before him and demanded that he parted with what ever hecarried.
"Look here, I'm a poor Brahmin. I maintain my familywith the remuneration or reward that I receive for mypriestly services. Should you deprive me of my humble earnings?" asked Pandey.
"The reward you're carrying is a part of the king's ill-gotten wealth. He exploits the common people," thebandit blurted out.
"Why don't you take some steps to free the country from exploitation by the king and his officers?" asked Pandey in a coaxing voice.
"How can I do that? I.m not the king to take theofficers to task!" protested Bhimvir.
Rohit Pandey laughed gently. "Young man," he said softly, "why don't you then try to become the king? That,indeed, is a worthy object to achieve."
"To become the king! Is that really possible?" wondered Bhimvir dreamily.
"Why not?" whispered Pandey. "I can see that youare the only person in the kingdom to have some manly courage. Who else deserves to be the king if not you?"
Bhimvir was immensely pleased. "Thank you, Olearned scholar, for your kind advice. You may go," he said, bowing to Pandey.
