Years later, the King of the country was hunting in the forest. He pursued a deer so deep into the dense woods that he lost his way, exhausted and famished.
At the Robbers' Cave: The weary king dismounted and sat under a tree near the rocky cave. Suddenly, he heard a harsh voice cry out from the branches: "Quick! Hurry up! There's someone under the tree! Come and take his jewels and his horse! Cry hurry, or else he'll slip away!" Looking up, the king was astonished to see a large brown bird calling out to bandits inside the cave. Hearing muffled footfalls approaching, the terrified king jumped onto his horse and galloped away at top speed.
At the Rishi's Ashram: Riding further, the king reached a tranquil clearing with flowering shrubs and a thatched hermitage—the Rishi's ashram. Tying his horse to a tree, the king collapsed into the cool shade. To his surprise, a gentle, melodious voice spoke: "Welcome to the ashram, Sir! Please go inside and rest. The Rishi will be back soon. There is cool water in the pot; please drink and make yourself comfortable."
The Astonished King: Looking up, the king saw a bird that looked identical to the rough bird at the cave! When the king expressed his bewilderment, the bird smiled gently: "He is my brother, Sir, but he has made friends with robbers. He talks as they talk; he does not talk to me anymore."
The Rishi's Lesson: Soon the holy sage arrived, offered food, and explained the mystery: "This forest is full of surprises. That bird has always heard the talk of robbers, so he imitates them and calls for people to be robbed. This one has repeated what he has always heard here; he welcomes people to the ashram. After all, one is known by the company one keeps."
