The cremation ground presented an eerie spectacle on that dark night. The moon was hidden behind the clouds, and it was drizzling intermittently. The pitch darkness was relieved only by occasional flashes of lightning that lit up the sombre scene, causing an eerie dance of jerky shadows in the cremation ground. Occasionally, a jackal's spine-chilling howl or the blood-curdling laughter of some invisible evil spirit cut into the silence that hung like a shroud over the area.
Altogether, it was a scene that would strike terror into the bravest of hearts. But nothing could daunt the intrepid King Vikram. Once again, he made his way to the gnarled tree from which the ancient corpse was hanging. Bones crunched under his feet, and a screeching ghost rose from the dust in shuddering frenzy as he marched determinedly ahead.
Oblivious to everything but the mission at hand, he brought the hanging corpse down by cutting the rope with his sword.
Slinging the corpse astride his shoulder, he had just begun his return journey when the vampire that possessed the corpse said, "O King! In this state, even your enemy will pity for you. Are you doing all this for your own good or for the good of someone else? I've come across many persons who spend much labour for their welfare, but becoming desperate and abandoning their efforts just when they were about to achieve their aim. When I see you so adamant, I doubt whether you aren't taking all the trouble only to keep a promise you made to someone. It looks as though you're being charitable where it is not deserved. You'll understand this better if you listen to the story of Pushkar and Vilas. It'll also drive away the monotony of your undertaking." The Vetala then narrated the story.
Pushkar would toil hard the whole day, but earned meager wages and so would go half-starving. He was sad about this sorry state of affairs and often felt frustrated. One day he got employment at a Kalyana Mandapam (where facilities are provided to perform weddings). His job included drawing water from the well and washing vessels used in the kitchen. The weddings attracted several guests; they were all served sumptuous food. They would praise the tasty food. Pushkar invariably got a share of the food. Therefore, he was quite enthusiastic in carrying out his duties. One day, he went up to the cooks and said : "I must say, your cooking is great! You must be getting orders for cooking from many places. Do you think you can take me into your team? I shall do whatever job you give me, you've only to give me food two times a day. Would you consider my request?"
