Dark was the night and fearful the atmosphere.The howling of jackals faded into the weird laughter of unearthly beings. Flashes of lightning revealed ghastly faces.
But King Vikram did not swerve. He climbed the ancient tree and brought down the corpse. However, as soon as he began crossing the desolate cremation ground, with the corpse lying astride on his shoulder, the vampire that possessed the corpse observed, "O King, even the ablest of personalities enroll the help of others to fulfil their missions. But, it seems, you're out to reach your goal all alone. I wonder if that is wise. Let me tell you they story of two brothers. One's success was due to the other's help. Pay attention to my narration, O King! That should give you some relief."
The vampire went on: In days gone by, there was a prosperous town called Dhanyakatak on the banks of river Krishna. Vishnugupta, the richest merchant of the town, had a daughter called Kamala. She was well-groomed and beautiful. Being the only child of Vishnugupta, she was to inherit her father's vast wealth. Priests and relatives brought many proposals for Kamala's marriage. But not one of them satisfied Vishnugupta.
In the same town lived Devsen. He hailed from a great family. His grandfather, in his time, was the most celebrated man in the kingdom. But the family had become poor. It was mainly because Devsen's father had given away all his wealth for charity.
Vishnugupta's grandfather had been greatly helped by Devsen's grandfather. They traded together and Devsen's grandfather being wiser and wealthier than Vishnugupta's grandfather, came to the latter's help several times. But, with the family of Devsen falling into bad days, friendship between the two families had snapped. Vishnugupta now showed no concern for Devsen.
