"'"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.