Then he spake unto Rituparna and said: “As thou desirest so will I do, O Rituparna. I will drive thee in a single day to Vidarbha.”
Having promised thus, he went forth and selected four steeds of high courage with the ten good marks,[318] which were as swift as the wind. He yoked them in haste, spake to them soothingly, and then set forth with Rituparna and Varshneya also at full speed. The rajah sat in silent wonder as the chariot went swiftly, and to himself he said: “Vahuka hath the god-like skill of the charioteer of heaven.... Can he be Nala, who hath taken himself another body? If he is not Nala, he is one who hath equal skill. Great men are wandering at times to and fro in disguise—gods who are hidden in human form.”
So the rajah marvelled and thought, while he rejoiced in the matchless skill of the misshapen charioteer.
Swiftly they went. Over hills and rivers and over forests and lakes the chariot glided like to a bird through the air.... Of a sudden the rajah's robe was swept away, and he cried to the charioteer, saying: “Stop at instant, so that Varshneya may hasten back and recover my garment.”
Nala paused not, and said: “Thy robe is now five miles behind us, and we cannot wait to recover it.”
So they went on with all speed. Ere long Rituparna beheld a lofty fruit tree, named Vibhítak, and he said to Vahuka: “Now, skilful charioteer, thou shalt perceive my ability in numbers. No single mind is accomplished in every kind of knowledge. On two branches of yonder fruit tree are fifty million leaves and two thousand and ninety-five berries.”
Vahuka said: “The leaves and the fruit are invisible to me. But I will tear off a branch and count the berries while Varshneya doth hold the bridle.”
“But,” urged the rajah, “we cannot pause on our journey.”
Vahuka said: “Thou mayst stay with me, or thou canst let Varshneya drive thee at full speed.”