High up in the sheltering boughs of a Banyan tree, a group of thirsty birds watches over an inviting pool of water. None of the birds dares to drink from it, however, for fear of inciting the wrath of Old Viper, a vicious snake. Beautiful Peacock wagers that if he can manage to rid them of the reptile, he will then be deemed "king" of the watering hole. Highly skeptical of his success, the other birds readily agree. When Peacock wins the wager, however,...