“’Vikramaditya performed in all points the jogi’s bidding; and having in the presence of the Vetala laid the golden key upon the palm of his hand, a voice within bade him ask the question: 

“’"O Vetala, what art thou apt to do?  What knowest thou?”

“’And the Vetala answered: 

“’"All that I have in my mind, that I am apt to perform.  I know all things.”

“’And the king said: 

“’"Speak, then; what is the number of my years?”

“’And the Vetala answered: 

“’"The years of thy life are a hundred.”

“’Then said the king: 

“’"I am troubled because in the tale of my years there are two gaps; grant me, then, one year in excess of a hundred, or from the hundred take one.”

“’And the Vetala answered: 

“’"O King, thou art in the highest degree good, liberal, merciful, just, lord of thyself, and honored of gods and of Brahmans; the measure of joys that are ordained to fill thy life is full; to add anything thereto, to take anything therefrom, are alike impossible.”

“’Having heard these words, the king was satisfied, and the Vetala departed unto his own place.

“’Upon the night following the king prepared no feast against the coming of the Vetala, but girt himself for fight.  The Vetala came, and seeing nothing in readiness for the repast, but, on the contrary, all things requisite to a combat, he waxed wroth and said: 

“’"O wicked and perverse king, why hast thou made ready nothing for my pleasure this night?”

“’And the king answered:  “Since thou canst neither add to my length of years, nor take anything therefrom, why should I make ready a repast for thee continually and without profit?”

“’The Vetala made answer: 

“’"Ho—­’tis thus that thou speakest!  Now, truly, come fight with me; this night will I devour thee.”

“’At these words the king rose up in wrath to smite the Vetala, and held him in swift and dexterous combat for a brief space.  And the Vetala, having thus made proof of the might and heroism of the king, and being satisfied, spake and said: 

“’"O King, thou art mighty indeed; I am content with thy valor; now, then, ask me what thou wilt.”

“’And the king answered: 

“’"Seeing that thou art well-disposed towards me, grant me this grace, that when I call thee, thou wilt in that same instant stand at my side.”

“’And the Vetala, having granted this grace to the king, departed unto his own place.’”

The Babu waved his hands as a sign that the story was ended.  He was damp with perspiration, and in his glance at Desmond there was a kind of furtive appeal for approval.

“Thou speakest well, Babu,” said the warder.  “But what befell King Bhoya when the graven image had thus ended his saying?”

“That, good jailer, is another story, and if you please to hear it another night, I will do my poor best to satisfy you.”