

          The geese flew on, singing Vikram's praises. On their way, they 
     passed over the palace of King Karan. 
          When the King heard their song, he said, "Why is Vikram praised 
     even by the birds? Surely he's no more generous than I!" And he sent 
     his royal hunter to trap the geese when they landed. 
          The geese were brought in a cage before King Karan. "Why do you 
     call Vikram the most generous king of all?" he asked, drumming his 
     fingers on his plump stomach. 
          "He fed us pearls from his hand," said the gander. 
          "But I give away a hundred pounds of gold each day!" said the 
     King. "Am I not as generous as Vikram?" 
          The female said, "King Vikram would never imprison the innocent." 
          King Karan took a handful of pearls and opened the cage door to 
     reach in. But the female pushed past and flew out the window. 
          The goose flew swiftly back to Vikram and landed breathless at 
     his feet. "Good King Vikram," she said, "you must help us! My husband 
     is a prisoner!" 
          Vikram listened to her story. "Rest easy, dear friend," he said. 
     "I will rescue your mate." 


