Toward evening there was a great noise of trampling and trumpeting in the forest, and a huge herd of elephants came down to the pool to drink. They were very thirsty, for the supply of water had been low for some days. When they found the pool full to the brim, they trumpeted with joy and rushed to it to drink. They drank and drank, and presently they were all overcome with the wine and fell down and lay as though dead. Then Hassan called to the forty slaves, and they came and cut off all the elephants’ tusks and loaded them upon the carts, and there were forty cartloads. Hassan and his slaves and carts left the forest before the elephants awoke, and by the next day they were back in the city again. When the King saw the loads of ivory that Hassan had brought with him, he could not wonder enough. Hassan’s enemy was filled with rage and envy, but he dissembled. “Did I not know it?” said he to the King. “I tell you there is nothing in the world that Hassan cannot do if only he wishes to.” The ivory palace was built, and every day the King went there to sit and watch the bird, and Hassan was more of a favourite with him than ever. But one day Hassan’s enemy thought of a new plot to destroy him. He went to the King and said, “What a pity it is that such a beautiful bird as this should never make a sound. No doubt it could make the most ravishing music if it would but sing.” “Yes, it is a pity,” answered the King, and at once he became dissatisfied. “It must be that the bird misses its former owner,” said the enemy. “If Hassan really wished to please you, he would find the former owner and bring him here, so that the bird might sing again.” “Yes, that is true,” said the King, “and I would greatly like to hear it sing.” He then sent for Hassan and told him what he wished. “But, your Majesty,” cried Hassan in despair, “I do not know who was the owner of the bird, nor have I any means for finding out. As you know, I caught it in a snare far away from the city, and where there is no house within sight.” Nevertheless the King was determined that Hassan must find the former owner of the bird and bring him to the palace. If he did not, his life should answer for it. Hassan went out from the King’s presence very sad. Then he bethought himself of the crow’s feathers. He took one of the two that still remained, and blew it into the air, and called to the crow to come. Almost at once the crow appeared and settled on the ground beside him. “What is it that you wish now?” it asked. “Are you again in trouble?” “Yes, I am in trouble, and my trouble is very grievous.” Hassan then told the crow what it was that the King demanded of him.