 CHAPTER XV. OF THE ORANGE FAIRYBOOK This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Recording by Chris Caron. PINKLE THE THIEF. SHORTEN FROM WEST HIGHLAND TAILS. Long, long ago there lived a widow, who had three sons. The two eldest were grown up, and though they were known to be idle fellows, some of the neighbors had given them work to do on account of the respect in which their mother was held. But at the time this story begins, they had both been so careless and idle that their masters declared they would keep them no longer. So home they went to their mother and youngest brother, of whom they thought little, because he made himself useful about the house, and looked after the hens and milked the cow Pinkle. They called him in scorn, and by and by his Pinkle became his name throughout the village. The two young men thought it was much nicer to live at home and be idle than to be obliged to do a quantity of disagreeable things they did not like, and they would have stayed by the fire till the end of their lives had not the widow lost patience with them, and said that since they would not look for work at home they must seek it elsewhere, for she would not have them under the roof any longer. But she repented bitterly of her words when Pinkle told her that she too was old enough to go out into the world, and that when he made a fortune he could send for his mother to keep house for him. The widow wept many tears at parting from her youngest son, but as she saw that his heart was set upon going with his brothers, she did not try to keep him, so the young men started off one morning in high spirits, never doubting that work such as they might be willing to do would be had for the asking, as soon as their little store of money was spent. But a very few days of wandering opened their eyes. Nobody seemed to want them, or if they did the young man declared that they were not able to undertake all that the farmers or millers or woodcutters required of them. The youngest brother, who was wiser, would gladly have done some of the work that the others refused, but he was small and slight, and no one thought of offering him any, therefore he went from one place to another, living only on the fruit and nuts they could find in the woods, and getting hungrier every day. One night after they had been walking for many hours, and were very tired, they came to a large lake with an island in the middle of it, from the island streamed a long light, by which they could see everything almost as clearly as if the sun had been shining. And they perceived that, lying half-hidden in the rushes was a boat. Let us take it and row over to the island, where there must be a house, said the eldest brother, and perhaps they will give us food and shelter, and they all got in and rowed across in the direction of the light. As they drew near the island they saw that it came from a golden lantern hanging over the door of a hut, while sweet tinkling music proceeded from some bells attached to the golden horns of a goat, which was feeding near the cottage. The young men's hearts rejoiced as they thought that, at last they would be able to rest their wary limbs. And they entered the hut, but were amazed to see an ugly old woman inside, wrapped in a cloak of gold, which lighted up the whole house. They looked at each other uneasily as she came forward with her daughter, as they knew by the cloak that this was a famous witch. What do you want, asked she, at the same time singing to her daughter to stir the large pot on the fire? We are tired and hungry, and would feign have shelter for the night, answered the eldest brother. You cannot get it here, said the witch, but you will find both food and shelter in the place on the other side of the lake. Take your boat and go. But leave this boy with me. I can find work for him. Though something tells me he is quick and cunning, and will do me ill. What harm can a poor boy like me do a great troll like you? answered Pinkle. Let me go, I pray you, with my brothers. I will promise never to hurt you. And at last the witch let him go, and he followed his brothers to the boat. The way was further than they thought, and it was morning before they reached the palace. Now at last their luck seemed to have turned, for while the two eldest were given places in the King's stables, Pinkle was taken as page to the little ones. He was a clever and amusing boy, who saw everything that passed under his eyes, and the King noticed this, and often employed him in his own service, which made his brothers very jealous. Things went on this way for some time, and Pinkle every day rose in that royal favor. At length the envy of his brothers became so great that they could bear it no longer, and consulted it together how best they might ruin his credit with the King. They did not wish to kill him, though perhaps they would not have been sorry if they had heard he was dead, but merely wished to remind him that he was after all only a child, not half so old and wise as they. Their opportunity soon came. It happened to be the King's custom to visit his stables once a week, so that he might see that his horses were being properly cared for. The next time he entered the stables with two brothers managed to be in the way, and when the King praised the beautiful satin skins of the horses under their charge, and remarked how different was their condition. When his grooms had first come across the lake, the young men at once began to speak of the wonderful light which sprang from the lantern over the hut. The King, who had a passion for collection, all the rarest things, he could find, fell into the trap directly, and inquired where he could get this marvelous lantern. Send Pinkle for it, Sire, said they. It belongs to an old witch who no doubt came by it in some evil way, but Pinkle has a smooth tongue, and he can get the better of any woman, old or young. Then bid him go this very night, cried the King, and if he brings me the lantern, I will make him one of the chief men about my person. Pinkle was much pleased at the thought of his Avenger, and without Moradu he borrowed a little boat which lay moored to the shore, and rode over to the island at once. It was late by the time he arrived, and almost dark, but he knew by the savory smell that reached him that the witch was cooking her supper. So he climbed softly, onto the roof, and peering, watched till the old woman's back was turned, when he quickly drew a handful of salt from his pocket, and threw it into the pot. Scarcely had he done this when the witch called her daughter, and had bade her lift the pot off the fire, and put the stew into a dish, as it had been cooking quite long enough, and she was hungry. But no sooner had she tasted it than she put her spoon down, and declared that her daughter must have been meddling with it, for it was impossible to eat anything that was all made of salt. Go down to the spring in the valley, and get some fresh water, that I may prepare a fresh supper, cried she, for I feel half-starved. But mother, answered the girl, how can I find the well in the darkness? For you know that the lantern's rays shed no light down there. Well, then, take the lantern with you, answered the witch. For supper I must have, and there is no water that is nearer. So the girl took her pail in one hand, and the golden lantern in the other, and hastened away to the wall, followed by Pinkle, who took care to keep out of the way of the rays. When at last she stooped to fill her pail at the well, Pinkle pushed her into it, and snatching up the lantern hurried back to his boat, and rode off from the shore. He was already a long distance from the island when the witch, who wondered what had become of her daughter, went to the door to look for her. Close around the hut was thick darkness, but what was that bobbing light that streamed across the water? The witch's heart sank as all at once it flashed upon her what had happened. Is that you, Pinkle? cried she, and the youth answered, Yes, dear mother, it is I, and you are not a knave for robbing me? said she. Truly, dear mother, I am, replied Pinkle. Rowing faster than ever for he was half afraid that the witch might come after him. But she had no power on the water, and turned angrily into the hut, muttering to herself all the while. Take care, take care, a second time you will not escape so easily. The sun had not yet risen when Pinkle returned to the palace, and entering the king's chamber he held up the lantern so that its rays might fall upon the bed. In an instant the king awoke, and seeing the golden lantern shedding its light upon him, he spring up and embraced Pinkle with joy. O cunning one! cried he, what treasure hast thou brought me? In calling for his attendance he ordered that rooms next to his own should be prepared for Pinkle, and that the youth might enter his presence at any hour, and besides this he was to have a seat on the council. It may easily be guessed that all this made the brothers more envious than they were before, and they cast about in their minds afresh how best they might destroy him. At length they remember the goat with golden horns and the bells, and they rejoiced. For, said they, this time the old woman will be on the watch and let him be as clever as he likes. The bells on the horns are sure to warn her. So when, as before the king came down, to the stables and praised the cleverness of their brother, the young men told him of that other marvel possessed by the witch, the goat with the golden horns. From this moment the king never close his eyes at night for longing after this wonderful creature. He understood something of the danger that there might be in trying to steal it. Now that's the witch's suspicions were aroused, and he spent hours in making plans for outwitting her, but somehow he never could think of anything that would do, and at last, as the brothers had foreseen, he sent for Pinkle. I hear, he said, that the old witch on the island has a goat with golden horns, from which hang bells that twinkle the sweetest music that goat I must have. But tell me, how am I to get it? I would give the third part of my kingdom to anyone who would bring it to me. I will fetch it myself, answered Pinkle. This time it was easier for Pinkle to approach the island unseen, as there was no golden lantern in the throats beams over the water. But on the other hand, the goat slept inside the hut, and would therefore have to be taken from under the very eyes of the old woman. How was he to do it? All the way across the lake, he thought and thought, till at length, a plan came into his head, which seemed as if it might do, though he knew it would be very difficult to carry out. The first thing he did when he reached the shore was to look about for a piece of wood. And when he had found it, he hid himself close to the hut, till it grew quite dark and near the hour when the witch and her daughter went to bed. Then he crept up and fixed the wood under the door, which opened outwards in such a manner that the more you tried to shut it, the more firmly it stuck. And this was what happened when the girl went as usual to bolt the door, and make all fast for the night. What are you doing? asked the witch as her daughter kept tugging at the handle. There is something matter with the door. It won't shut, answered she. Well, leave it alone. There is nobody to hurt us, said the witch, who was very sleepy, and the girl did as she was bid, and went to bed. Very soon they both might have been heard snoring, and Pinkle knew that his time was come. Slipping off his shoes, he stole into the hut on tiptoe and taking from his pocket some food of which the goat was particularly fond. He laid it under his nose, then while the animal was eating it he stuffed each golden bell with wool, which he had also brought with him, stopping every minute to listen. Lest the witch would awaken, and he could find himself changed into some dreadful bird or beast. But the snoring still continued, and he went on with his work as quickly as he could. When the last bell was done, he drew another handful of food out of his pocket, and held it to the goat, which instantly rose to its feet, and followed Pinkle, who backed slowly to the door, and directly he got outside. He seized the goat in his arms, and ran down to the place where he had moored his boat. As soon as he had reached the middle of the lake, Pinkle took the wool out of the bells which began to tinkle loudly. There sound awoke the witch, who cried out as before. Is that you, Pinkle? Yes, dear mother, it is I, said Pinkle. Have you stolen my golden goat, as she? Yes, dear mother, I have, answered Pinkle. Are you not a nave, Pinkle? Yes, dear mother, I am, he replied, and the old witch shouted in a rage, Ah, beware how you come hither again. For next time you shall not escape me. But Pinkle laughed and rode on. The king was so delighted with the goat, that he always kept it by his side, night and day, and as he had promised, Pinkle was made ruler over the third part of the kingdom. As may be supposed, the brothers were more furious than ever, and grew quite thin with rage. How can we get rid of him? said one to the other. At a length, they remembered the golden cloak. He will need to be clever if he is to steal that, they cried, with a chuckle. And when next, the king came to see his horses, they began to speak of Pinkle, and his marvelous cunning, and how he had contrived to steal the lantern and the goat, which nobody else would have been able to do. But as he was there, it is a pity he could not have brought away the golden cloak, asked they. The golden cloak? What is that? asked the king. And the young man described its beauties in such glowing words that the king declared he should never know a day's happiness until he had wrapped the cloak around his own shoulders. And, added he, the man who brings it to me shall wed my daughter, and shall inherit my throne. None can get it to save Pinkle, said they, for they did not imagine that the witch, after two warnings, could allow their brother to escape a third time, so Pinkle was set for. And with a glad heart, he sent out. He passed many hours inventing first one plane, and then another, till he had a scheme ready, which he thought might prove successful. Thrusting a large bag inside his coat, he pushed off from the shore, taking care of this time to reach the island in daylight. Having made his boat fast to a tree, he walked up to the hut, hanging his head, and putting on a face that was both sorrowful and ashamed. Is that you, Pinkle? Asked the witch when she saw him, her eyes gleaming savagely. Yes, dear mother, it is I, answered Pinkle. So you have dared, after all, you have done to put yourself in my power, cried she. Well, you shan't escape me this time. And she took down a large knife and began to sharpen it. Oh, dear mother, spare me, shrieks Pinkle, falling on his knees and looking wildly about him. Spare you indeed, you thief. Where are my lantern and my goat? No, not. There is only one fate for robbers. And she branded the knife in the air so that it glittered in the firelight. Then if I must die, said Pinkle, who by this time was getting really rather frightened, let me at least choose the matter of my death. I am very hungry, for I have had nothing to eat all day. Put some poison, if you like, into the porridge, but at least let me have a good meal before I die. That is not a bad idea, answered the woman. As long as you do die, it is all one to me. And ladling out a large bowl of porridge, she stirred some poisonous herbs into it and said about work that had to be done. Then Pinkle hastily poured all the confidence of the bowl into his bag and make a great noise with his spoon, as if he was scraping up the last morsel. Poison or not, the porridge is excellent. I have eaten it, very scrap. Do not give me some more, said Pinkle, turning towards her. Well, you have a fine appetite, young man, answered the witch. However, it is the last time you will ever eat it. So I will give you another bowlful and rubbing it into the poisonous herbs. She poured him out, half of what remained, and then went to the window to call her cat. In an instant, Pinkle again emptied the porridge into the bag, and in the next minute, he rolled on the floor, twisting himself about as if in agony, uttering loud groans, the while. Suddenly he grew silent and lay still. Ah, I thought a second dose of that poison would be too much for you, said the witch, looking at him. I warned you what would happen if you came back. I wish that all thieves were as dead as you. But why does not my lazy girl bring the wood I sent her for? It will soon be too dark for her to find her way. I suppose I must go and search for her. What a trouble girls are. And she went to the door to watch if there were any signs of her daughter, but nothing could be seen of her, and heavy rain was falling. It is too night for my cloak, she muttered. It would be covered with mud by the time I got back. So she took it off her shoulders and hung it carefully up in a cupboard in the room. After that, she put on her clogs and started to seek her daughter. Directly the last sound of the clogs had seized. Pinkle jumped up and took down the cloak and rode off as fast as he could. He had not gone far when a puff of wind unfolded the cloak, and its brightness shed gleams across the water. The witch, who was just entering the forest, turned round at that moment and saw the golden rays. She forgot all about her daughter and ran down to the shore, screaming with rage at being outwitted a third time. Is that you, Pinkle? cried she. Yes, dear mother, it is I. Have you taken my gold cloak? Yes, dear mother, I have. Are you not a great nave? Yes, truly, dear mother, I am. And so indeed he was. But all the same he carried the cloak to the king's palace, and in return he received the hand of the king's daughter in marriage. People said that it was the bride who ought to have worn the cloak at her wedding feast, but the king was so pleased with it that he would not part from it. And to the end of his life was never seen without it. After his death, Pinkle became king and let up hope that he gave up his bad and thievish ways and ruled his subjects well. As for his brothers, he did not punish them, but left them in the stables where they grumbled all day long. End of Pinkle the Thief. Chapter 16 of the Orange Fairy Book. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Recording by Ellie, the Orange Fairy Book by Andrew Lang, The Adventures of a Jekyll. Subs, Yuletide Stories. In a country which is full of wild beasts of all sorts, the ones lived the Jekyll and the Hedgehog. And unlike Dodevar, the two animals met great friends and were often seen in each other's company. One afternoon they were walking along a road together and the Jekyll was the taller of the two exclaimed, Oh, there's a barn full of corn. Let us go and eat some. Yes, do let us, answered the Hedgehog. So they went to the barn and ate till they could eat no more. Then the Jekyll put on his shoes, which had taken off so as to make no noise. And they returned to the high road. After they had gone some way, they met the painter who stopped and bowing politely said, Excuse my speaking to you, but I cannot help admiring those shoes of yours. Do you mind telling me who made them? Yes, I think they are rather nice. Answer the Jekyll. I made them myself, though. Could you make me appear like them? Ask the painter eagerly. I would do my best, of course, replied the Jekyll. But you must kill me a cow and when we have eaten the flesh, I will take the skin and make your shoes out of it. So the painter prowled about until he saw a fine cow grazing apart from the rest of the herd. He killed it instantly and then gave it right to the Jekyll and the Hedgehog to come to the place where he was. The sun skinned the dead beast and spied its skin out to dry, after which they had a grand feast before they curled themselves up for the night and slept soundly. Next morning the Jekyll got up early and set to work upon the shoes while the painter set by and looked on with delight. At last he were finished and the Jekyll arose and stretched himself. Now go and lay them in the sun out there, said he. In a couple of hours they will be ready to put on, but do not attempt to wear them before or you will feel most uncomfortable. But they see the sun is high in the heavens and we must be continuing our journey. The painter who always believed what everybody told him did exactly as he was bit and in two hours time began to fasten on the shoes. They certainly set off his paws wonderfully and he stretched out his four paws and looked at them with pride. But when he tried to walk, ah, that was another story. They were so stiff and hard that he nearly shrieked every step he took and at last he sank down where he was and actually began to cry. After some time some little partridges who were hopping about heard the poor painter's croons and went up to see what was the matter. He had never tried to make his dinner off them and they had always been quite friendly. You seem in pain, said one of them, fluttering close to him. Can we help you? Oh, it is the Jekyll. He made me these shoes. They are so hard and tight that they hurt my feet and I cannot manage to kick them off. Lie still and we will soften them. I said the kind little partridge and calling to his brothers, they all flew to the nearest spring and carried water in their beaks, which the poor doughed their shoes. This detail, the hard leather grew soft and the painter was able to slip his feet out of them. Oh, thank you, thank you. He cried, skipping around with joy. I feel a different creature. Now I will go after the Jekyll and pay him my debts. And he bounded the way into the forest. But the Jekyll had been very cunning and had dropped backwards and forwards and in and out, so that it was very difficult to know which track he had really followed. At length, however, the painter caught sight of his enemy. At the same moment that the Jekyll had caught sight of him, the painter gave a loud roar and sprang forward. But the Jekyll was too quick for him and plunged into a dense thicket where the painter could not follow. Disgusted with his filia, but more angry than ever, the painter lay down for a while to consider what he should do next. And as he was sinking, an old man came by. Oh, father, tell me how I can repay the Jekyll for the way he has served. And without more, I do it all this story. If you take my advice, answer the old man, you will kill a cow and invite all the Jekylls in the forest to the feast. Watch them carefully while they are eating, and you will see that most of them keep their eyes on their food. But if one of them glances at you, you will know he is the traitor. The painter, whose manners were always good, sank the old man and followed his counsel. The cow was killed and the patrarches flew about with invitations to the Jekylls, who gathered large numbers to the feast. The wicked Jekyll came amongst them. But as the painter had only seen him once, he could not distinguish him from the rest. However, the old took the dinner and wooden seats placed around the dead cow, which was laid across the bouts of a fallen tree, and began their dinner. Each Jekyll fixing his eyes credibly on the piece of meat before him. Only one of them seemed uneasy, and every now and then glanced in the direction of his host. This the painter noticed, and suddenly made a bound at the culprit and seized his tail. But again, the Jekyll was too quick for him, and catching up a knife he cut off his tail and darted into the forest, followed by all the rest of the party. And before the painter had recovered from his surprise, he found himself alone. What am I to do now? He asked the old man, who soon came back to see how things had turned out. It is very unfortunate, certainly, answered he. But they think you know where you can find him. There is a melon garden about two miles from here, and the Jekyll is a very fond of melons. They are nearly sure to have gone there to feed. If you see a tail as Jekyll, you will know that is the one you want. So the painter sank him in 20s way. Now the Jekyll had guessed what advice the old man would give his enemy. And so, when his friends were greedily eating the ripest melons, the sunny-ass corner of the garden is all behind him, and tied the tails together. He had only just finished when his ears caught the sound of creaking branches, and he cried. Quick, quick! Here comes the master of the garden. The Jekyll sprang up and ran away in all directions, leaving the tails behind him. And how was the painter to know which was his enemy? The none of them had any tails, he said sadly to the old man. And I am tired of hunting them. I shall leave them alone, and go and catch something for supper. Of course, the hedgehog had not been able to take part in any of these adventures. But as soon as all danger was over, the Jekyll went to look for his friend, whom he was lucky enough to find at home. Ah, there you are, he said gaily. I have lost my tails since I saw your last. And other people have lost theirs too, but that is no matter. I am hungry, so come with me to the shepherd who is sitting over there, and we will ask him to sell us one of his sheep. Yes, it is a good plan, answered the hedgehog. And he walked as fast as his little legs would go to keep up with the Jekyll. When he reached the shepherd, the Jekyll pulled out his purse from under his folly and made his bargain. Only wait till tomorrow, said the shepherd. And I will give you the biggest sheep you ever saw, but he always feeds at some distance from the rest of the flock. And it would take me a long time to catch him. Well, it is very tiresome, but I suppose I must wait, replied the Jekyll. And he and the hedgehog looked about for a nice dry cave in which to make themselves comfortable for the night. But after they had gone, the shepherd killed one of his sheep and stripped off his skin, which he sewed tightly around the greyhound he had with him, and put the cord around his neck. Then he lay down and went to sleep. Very, very early, before the sun was properly up, the Jekyll and the hedgehog were pulling at the shepherd's cloak. Wake up, they said, and give us the cheep. We have had nothing to eat all night, and we are hungry. The shepherd yawned and rubbed his eyes. He is tied to the tree, go and take him. So they went to the tree and then fastened the cord and turned to go back to the cave, where the head slept, dragging the greyhound after them. When they reached the cave, the Jekyll said to the hedgehog, before I kill him, let me see whether he is fed or thin, and he stood a little way back so that he might have a better eczema in the animal. After looking at him with his head to one side for a minute or two, he nodded gravely. He is quite fed enough. He is a good sheep. But the hedgehog, who sometimes showed more cunning than anyone would have guessed, answered, my friend, you are talking nonsense. The wool is indeed sheep's wool, but the paws of my uncle the greyhound peep out from underneath. He is a sheep, repeated the Jekyll, who did not like to think anyone cleverer than himself. Hold the cord while I look at him, answered the hedgehog. Very unbillingly the Jekyll held the rope, while the hedgehog walked slowly round the greyhound till he reached the Jekyll again. He knew quite well by the paws and the tail that it was the greyhound, not the sheep that the shepherd had sold them. And as he could not tell what turns affairs my taking resolved to get out of the way. Oh yes, you are right, he said to the Jekyll, but I never can eat till I have drunk first. I will just go and quench my thirst from the spring at the edge of the wood, and then I shall be ready for breakfast. Don't belong then, call to Jekyll, as the hedgehog hurried off at his best pace, and he lay down on the rock to wait for him. More than an hour passed by, and the hedgehog had had plenty of time to go to the spring and back, and still there was no sign of him. And this was very natural, as he had hidden himself in the long grass under a tree. At length the Jekyll gassed that for some reason his friend had run away and determined to wait for his breakfast no longer. So he went up to the place where the greyhound had been tattered and untied the rope. But just as he was about to spring on his back and give him a deadly bite, the Jekyll had a low crawl, which never proceeded from the throat of any sheep. Like a flash of lightning, the Jekyll threw down the quad and was flying across the plane. But though his legs were long, the greyhounds were still longer, and he sunk him up with his prey. The Jekyll turned to fight, but there was no match for the greyhound and in a few minutes he was lying dead on the ground, while the greyhound was trotting peacefully back to the shepherd. End of The Adventures of the Jekyll Recording by Ellie, January 2010 Chapter 17 of The Orange Fairy Book This is a LibroVox recording, where LibroVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibroVox.org Recording by Ellie, The Orange Fairy Book by Andrew Lang. The Adventures of the Jekyll's eldest son, Nouveau Côte-Berberry-Parene-Bassie Now, though the Jekyll was dead, he had left two sons behind him, every with their cunning and treacherous their father. The elder of the two was a fine, handsome creature who had a pleasant manner and made many friends. The animal he saw most often was a hyena, and one day, when they were taking a walk together, they picked up a beautiful green cloak, which had evidently been dropped by someone riding across the plane on a camel. Of course, each wanted to have it, and they almost quarreled over the matter. But at length, it was settled that the hyena should wear the cloak by day and the Jekyll by night. After a little while, however, the Jekyll became discontent with this arrangement, declaring that none of his friends, who were quite different from those of the hyena, could see the splendor of the mantle, and that it was only fair that he should sometimes be allowed to wear it by day. To this, the hyena would by no means consent, and they were on the eve of a quarrel when the hyena proposed that they should ask the lion to judge between them. The Jekyll agreed to this, and the hyena wrapped the cloak about him, and the both trotted off to the lion's den. The Jekyll, who was fond of talking, at once told the story, and when it was finished, the lion turned to the hyena and asked if it was true. ''Quite true, Your Majesty,'' answered the hyena. ''Then lay the cloak on the ground at my feet,'' said the lion, ''and I will give my judgement.'' So the mantle was spread upon the red earth, and the hyena and the Jekyll standing on each side of it. There was silence for a few moments, and then the lion set up, looking great and wise. The judgement is that the garment shell belonged only to her ever-first rings, the bell of the nearest mosque at dawn tomorrow. ''Now go, for much business awaits me.'' All that night the hyena set up, fearing less the Jekyll should reach the bell before him, for the mosque was closed at hand. With the first streak of dawn he bounded the way to the bell, just as the Jekyll, who had slept soundly all night, was rising to his feet. ''Good luck to you,'' cried the Jekyll, and throwing the cloak over his back he darted across the plain, and was seen no more by his friend the hyena. After running several miles the Jekyll thought he was safe from pursuit, and seeing a lion and other hyena talking together, he strolled up to join them. ''Good morning,'' he said, ''may I ask you what is the matter? You seem very serious about something.'' ''Praise it down,'' answered the lion, ''we were wondering in which direction we should go to find the best dinner, the hyena wishes to go to the forest and eye to the mountains. What do you say?'' Well, as I was sauntering over the plain just now, I noticed a flock of sheep grazing, and some of them had wandered into a little valley quite out of sight of the shepherd. ''If you keep among the rocks, you will never be observed, but perhaps you will allow me to go with you and show you the way?'' ''You are really very kind,'' answered the lion, and they kept steadily along till at length they reached the mouth of the valley, where a rime of sheep and a lamp were feeding on the rich grass, unconscious of their danger. ''How shall we divide them?'' asked the lion in a whisper to the hyena. ''Oh, it is easily done,'' replied the hyena. ''The lamp for me, the sheep for the jackal and the rime for the lion. So I am to have the lean creature, which is nothing but horns, and I create the lion in a rage. I will teach you to divide things in that matter.'' And he gave the hyena to great blows, which stretched him dead in a moment. Then he turned to the jackal and said, ''How would you divide them?'' ''Quite differently from the hyena,'' replied the jackal. ''You will breakfast of the lamp, you will dine of the sheep, you will sup of the rime. Dear me, how clever you are! Who taught you such wisdom?'' exclaimed the lion, looking at him admiringly. ''The fate of the hyena,'' answered the jackal loving and running off at his best speed. For he saw two men armed with spears coming close behind the lion. The jackal continued to run until at last he could run no longer. He flung himself under a tree-pending compress, when he heard a rustle amongst the grass, and his father's old friend the hedgehog appeared before him. ''Oh, is it you?'' asked the little creature. ''How strange that you should meet so far from home.'' ''I have just had a narrow escape of my life. Just the jackal and I need some sleep. After that we must think of something to do to amuse ourselves.'' And he lay down again and slept soundly for a couple of hours. ''Now I am ready,'' said he. ''Do you have anything to propose?'' ''In a valley beyond those trees,'' answered the hedgehog. ''There is a small farmhouse where the best butter in the world is made. I know there ways, and in an hour's time the farmer's wife will be off to milk the cows, which he keeps at some distance. We could easily get in at the window of the shed where she keeps the butter, and I will watch, lest someone should come unexpectedly, while you have a good meal, and then you shall watch and I will eat.'' ''That sounds a good plan,'' replied the jackal, and they set off together. ''But when they reach the farmhouse,'' the jackal said to the hedgehog. ''Go in and fetch the pots of butter, and I will hide them in a safe place.'' ''Oh, no!'' cried the hedgehog. ''I really couldn't. They would find out directly, and beside it is so difficult just eating a little now and then.'' ''Do us a bit, you at once,'' said the jackal, looking at the hedgehog so sternly that the little fellow there had seen no more, and soon rolled the chas to the window, where the jackal lifted them out one by one. When they were all in a row before him, he gave a sudden start. ''Run for your life,'' he whispered to his companion. ''I see the woman coming over the hill,'' and the hedgehog, his heart beating, set off as fast as he could. The jackal remained where he was, shaking his laughter, for the woman was not inside at all, and he had only sent the hedgehog away, because he did not want him to know where the chas of butter were buried. But every day he stole out of the hiding place and had a most delicious feast. At length one morning the hedgehog suddenly said, ''You never told me what you did to those chas.'' ''Oh, I hid them safely till the farm people should have forgotten all about them,'' replied the jackal. ''But is they still searching for them? We must wait a little longer, then I'll bring them home, and we'll share them between us.'' So the hedgehog waited and waited, but every time he asked if there was no chance of getting the chas of butter, the jackal put him off with some excuse. After a while the hedgehog became suspicious and said, ''I should like to know where you have hidden them. ''Tonight, when it is quite dark, you shall show me the place.'' ''I really can't tell you,'' answered the jackal. ''You talk so much that you will be sure to confide the secret to somebody, and then we should have had our trouble for nothing, besides of running the risk of our necks being broken by the farmer. I can see that he is getting disheartened, and very soon he will give up the search, have patience, just a little longer.'' The hedgehog said no more and pretended to be satisfied. But when some days had gone by, he woke the jackal, who was sleeping soundly after a hunt, which had lasted several hours. ''I have just had noticed,'' remarked the hedgehog, shaking him, ''that my family wish to have a banquet tomorrow, and they have invited you to it. Will you come?'' ''Certainly,'' answered the jackal, ''with pleasure, but as I have to go out in the evening, you can meet me on the road.'' ''That will do very well,'' replied the hedgehog, and the jackal went to sleep again, for he was obliged to be up early. Punctual to the moment the hedgehog arrived at the place appointed for their meeting, and as the jackal was not there, he sat down and waited for him. ''Ah, there you are,'' he cried, ''when the dusky yellow form at last turned the corner. I had nearly given you up. Indeed, I almost wish you had not come, for I hardly know where I shall hide you. Why should you hide me anywhere?'' asked the jackal. ''What is the matter with you?'' ''Well, so many of the guests have brought the dog some mules with them, that I fear it may hardly be safe for you to go amongst them. No, don't run off that way,'' he added quickly, ''because there's another trope that are coming over the hill. Lie down here, and I will throw this sex over you, and keep still for your life, whatever happens.'' And what did happen was that when the jackal was lying covered up under a little hill, the hedgehog set the gate stone-holding, which crushed him to death. End of The Adventures of the Jackal's Eldest Son, recording by Ellie January 2010 Chapter 18 of The Orange Fairy Book This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org, recording by Ellie. The Orange Fairy Book by Andrew Lane The Adventures of the Younger Son of the Jackal Count Barbary Now that the father and elder brother were both dead, all that was left of the Jackal family was one son, who was no less cunning than the others had been. He did not like staying in the same place any better than they, and nobody ever knew in what part of the country he might be found next. One day when he was wondering about he beheld a nice fat sheep, which was cropping the grass and seemed quite content with her lot. ''Good morning,'' said the Jackal, ''I'm so glad to see you. I've been looking for you everywhere. For me,'' answered the sheep in an astonished voice, ''but we have never met before. No, but I've heard of you. Oh, you don't know what fine things I've heard. Ah well, some people have all their luck. You're very kind, I'm sure,'' answered the sheep, not knowing which way to look. Is there any way in which I can help you?'' ''There's something that I've set my heart on, though I hardly like to propose it and so short in acquaintance. But from what people have told me, I thought that you and I may keep house together comfortably. I would only agree to try. I have several fields belonging to me, and if they are kept well watered, they'd be a wonderful crops. Perhaps I may come for a short time,'' said the sheep, with a little hesitation, but if we do not get on, we can part company. ''Oh, thank you, thank you,'' cried the Jackal, ''do not let us lose a moment,'' and he held out his paw in such an inviting manner that the sheep got up and trotted beside him till they reached home. ''Now,'' said the Jackal, ''you go to the well and fetch the water, and I will pour it into the trenches that run between the patches of corn. And they seated so he sang lastily. The work was very hard, but the sheep did not crumble, and by and by was rewarded at seeing the little green heads poking themselves through earth. After that the hot sun ripened them quickly, and soon harvest time was come, then the green was cut and ground and ready for sale, and everything was complete,'' the Jackal said to the sheep. ''Now let us divide it, so that we can each do what we like with our share.'' ''You do it,'' answered the sheep. ''Here are the scales. You must wait carefully.'' So the Jackal began to wait, and when he finished, he counted out loud. ''One, two, three, four, five, six, seven parts for the Jackal, and one part for the sheep. If she likes it, she can take it. If not, she can leave it.'' The sheep looked at two heaps in silence. One so large, the other so small, and then she answered. ''Wait for a minute. I will fetch some sex to carry away my share,'' but it was not sex the sheep wanted. For as soon as the Jackal could no longer see her, she said, ''Forset her past pace to the home of the Greyhound, where she arrived painting with the haste she had made.'' ''Oh, good uncle helped me, I pray you,'' she cried, as soon as she could speak. ''Why, what is the matter?'' asked the Greyhound, looking up with astonishment. ''I beg you to return with me, and fight in the Jackal into paying me what he owns me,'' answered the sheep. ''For once we have lived together, and have twice every day drawn the water, while you only put it into the trenches. Together we have ripped our harvest, and now, in the moment to divide our crop has come, he has taken seven parts for himself, and only left me one.'' She finished, and giving herself a twist, passed a woolly tail across her eyes, while the Greyhound watched her, but held his peace. Then he said, ''Bring me a sack.'' And the sheep hastened away to fetch one, very soon she returned and laid the sack down before him. ''Open it wide, then may get in,'' cried he, and when he was comfortably rolled up inside, he baited the sheep, take him on her back, and hastened to the place where she had left the Jackal. She found him waiting for her, pretending to be asleep, though she clearly saw him wink one of his eyes, however she took no notice, but throwing the sack roughly on the ground she exclaimed. ''Now measure.'' At this the Jackal got up, and going to the heap of grain which lay close by, he divided it, as before, into eight portions, seven for himself and one for the sheep. ''What are you doing that for?'' she asked indignantly, ''You know quite well that it was I who threw the water, and you who only put it into the trenches.'' ''You are mistaken,'' answered the Jackal, ''it was I who threw the water, and you who put it into the trenches. Anybody will tell you that. If you like, I will ask those people who are digging there. ''Very well,'' replied the sheep, and the Jackal called out, ''How, you digas, tell me, who was it you heard singing over the work? ''Why, it was you, of course, Jackal, who sang so loud that the whole world might have heard you. ''And who is it that sings, he who throws the water, or he who empties it?'' ''Why, certainly he who throws the water. You hear?'' said the Jackal, turning to the sheep, ''Now come and carry away your portion, or else I shall take it for myself. ''You have got the better of me,'' answered the sheep, and I suppose I must confess myself beaten, but as a bianomeles, go and eat some of the dates that I have brought in that sack. And the Jackal who loved dates ran instantly back, and tore open the mouse of the sack. But just as he was about to plunge his nose in, he saw two brown eyes calmly looking at him. In an instant he had let fall the flap of the sack, and bound it back to where the sheep was standing. ''I was only in fun, and you have brought your uncle the greyhound. Take away the sack, we will make the division over again.'' And he began rearranging the heaps. One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, for a matter of sheep, and one for the Jackal, count the tea. Casting timid clans is all the while at the sack. ''Now you can take your share and go,'' said the sheep, and the Jackal did not need twice telling. ''Whenever the sheep looked up, she saw him flying, flying across the plain, and for all I know, he may be flying across it still.'' End of the Adventures of the Youngest Son of the Jackal. Recording by Elie, January 2010. Long, long ago there lived an old man and his wife, who had three sons. The eldest was called Martin, the second Michael, while the third was named Jack. One evening they were all seated round the table, eating their supper of bread and milk. ''Martin,'' said the old man, suddenly, ''I feel that I cannot live much longer. You as the eldest will inherit this hut, but if you value my blessing, be good to your mother and brothers.'' ''Certainly, Father, how can you suppose I should do them wrong?'' replied Martin indignantly, helping himself to all the best bits in the dish as he spoke. The old man saw nothing, but Michael looked on in surprise, and Jack was so astonished that he quite forgot to eat his own supper. A little while after, the father fell ill and sent for his sons, who were out hunting, to bid him farewell. After giving good advice to the two eldest, he turned to Jack. ''My boy,'' he said, ''you have not got quite as much sense as other people. But if heaven has deprived you of some of your wits, it was given you a kind heart. Always listen to what it says, and take heed to the words of your mother and brothers, as well as your able.'' So saying, the old man sank back on his pillows and died. The cries of grief uttered by Martin and Michael sounded through the house, but Jack remained by the bedside of his father, still and silent, as if he were dead also. At length he got up, and going into the garden hid himself in some trees, and wept like a child, while his two brothers made ready for the funeral. No sooner was the old man buried than Martin and Michael agreed that they would go into the world together to seek their fortunes, while Jack stayed at home with their mother. Jack would have liked nothing better than to sit and dream by the fire, but the mother, who was very old herself, declared that there was no work for him to do, and that he must seek it with his brothers. So one fine morning all three set out. Martin and Michael carried two great bags full of food, but Jack carried nothing. This made his brothers very angry, for the day was hot, and the bags were heavy, and about noon they sat down under a tree and began to eat. Jack was as hungry as they were, but he knew that it was no use asking for anything, and he threw himself under another tree, and wept bitterly. Another time perhaps you won't be so lazy, and will bring food for yourself, said Martin. But to his surprise Jack answered, You're a nice pair, you talk of seeking your fortunes, so as not to be a burden on our mother, and you begin by carrying off all the food she has in the house. This reply was so unexpected, that for some moments neither of the brothers made any answer. Then they offered their brother some of their food, and when he had finished eating, they went their way once more. Towards evening they reached a small hut, and knocking at the door asked if they might spend the night there. The man who was a woodcutter invited them in, and begged them to sit down to supper. Martin thanked him, but being very proud explained that it was only shelter they wanted, as they had plenty of food with them. And he and Michael at once opened their bags, and began to eat, while Jack hid himself in a corner. The wife, unseeing this, took pity on him, and called him to come and share their supper, which he gladly did, and very good he found it. At this Martin regretted deeply that he had been so foolish as to refuse, for his bits of bread and cheese seemed very hard when he smelt the savory soup his brother was enjoying. He shan't have such a chance again, thought he, and the next morning he insisted on plunging into a thick forest where they were likely to meet nobody. For a long time they wandered hither and thither, for they had no path to guide them, but at last they came upon a wide clearing in the midst of which stood a castle. Jack shouted with delight, but Martin, who was in a bad temper, said sharply, We must have taken a wrong turning, let us go back. Idiot, replied Michael, who was hungry too, and like many people when they are hungry, very cross also. We set out to travel through the world, and what does it matter if we go to the right or to the left? And without another word took the path to the castle, closely followed by Jack, and after a moment by Martin likewise. The door of the castle stood open, and they entered a great hall and looked about them. Not a creature was to be seen, and suddenly Martin, he did not know why, felt a little frightened. He would have left the castle at once, but stopped when Jack boldly walked up to a door in the wall and opened it. He could not, for very shame, be outdone by his younger brother and passed behind him into another splendid hall, which was filled from floor to ceiling with great pieces of copper money. The site quite dazzled Martin and Michael, who emptied all the provisions that remained out of their bags, and heaped them up instead with handfuls of copper. Scarcely had they done this when Jack threw open another door, and this time it led to a hall filled with silver. In an instant his brothers had turned their bags upside down so that the copper money tumbled out onto the floor, and they were shoveling in handfuls of the silver instead. They had hardly finished when Jack opened yet a third door, and all three fell back in amazement. For this room was a mass of gold so bright that their eyes grew sore as they looked at it. However, they soon recovered from their surprise and quickly emptied their bags of silver and filled them with gold instead. When they would hold no more, Martin said, We'd better hurry off now, lest somebody else should come and we might not know what to do. And followed by Michael, he hastily left the castle. Jack lingered behind for a few minutes to put pieces of gold, silver and copper into his pocket, and to eat the food that his brothers had thrown down in the first room. Then he went after them and found them lying down to rest in the middle of a forest. It was near sunset and Martin began to feel hungry, so when Jack arrived he bade him return to the castle and bring the bread and cheese that they had left there. It is hardly worth doing that, answered Jack, for I picked up the pieces and ate them myself. At this reply both brothers were beside themselves with anger and fell upon the boy, beating him and calling him names till they were quite tired. Go where you like, cried Martin, with a final kick, but never come near us again. And poor Jack ran weeping into the woods. The next morning his brothers went home and bought a beautiful house where they lived with their mother like great lords. Jack remained for some hours in hiding, thankful to be safe from his tormentors, but when no one came to trouble him and his back did not ache so much, he began to think what he had better do. At length he made up his mind to go to the castle and take away as much money with him as would enable him to live in comfort for the rest of his life. This being decided he sprang up and set out along the path which led to the castle. As before the door stood open and he went on till he had reached the hall of gold and there he took off his jacket and tied the sleeves together so that it might make a kind of bag. He then began to pour in the gold by handfuls when all at once a noise like thunder shook the castle. This was followed by a voice, hoarse as that of a bull which cried, I smell the smell of a man and two giants entered. So little worm, it is you who steal our treasures exclaimed the biggest. Well, we've got you now and we will cook you for supper. But here the other giant drew him aside and for a moment or two they whispered together. At length the first giant spoke, To please my friend I will spare your life on the condition that for the future you shall guard our treasures. If you are hungry take this little table and wrap on it saying as you do the dinner of an emperor and you will get as much food as you want. With a light heart Jack promised all that was asked of him and for some days enjoyed himself mightily. He had everything he could wish for and did nothing from morning till night but by and by he began to get very tired of it all. Let the giants guard their treasures themselves he said to himself at last. I'm going away but I will leave all the gold and silver behind me and will take not but you my good little table. So tucking the table under his arm he started off for the forest but he didn't linger there long and soon found himself in the fields on the other side. There he saw an old man who begged Jack to give him something to eat. You couldn't have asked a better person answered Jack cheerfully and signalling him to sit down with him under a tree. He set the table in front of them and struck it three times crying the dinner of an emperor. He had hardly uttered the words when fish and meat of all kinds appeared on it. That's a clever trick of yours said the old man when he had eaten as much as he wanted give it to me in exchange for a treasure I have which is still better. Do you see this cornet? Well you only have to tell it that you wish for an army and you will have as many soldiers as you require. Now since he had been left to himself Jack had grown ambitious so after a moment's hesitation he took the cornet and gave the table in exchange. The old man bade him farewell and set off down one path while Jack chose another and for a long time he was quite pleased with his new possession. Then as he felt hungry he wished for his table back again as no house was in sight and he wanted some supper badly. All at once he remembered his cornet and a wicked thought entered his mind. Two hundred hussars forward cried he and the naing of horses and the clanking of swords were heard close at hand. The officer who rode at their head approached Jack and politely inquired what he wished them to do. A mile or two along that road answered Jack you will find an old man carrying a table take the table from him and bring it to me. The officer saluted and went back to his men who started at a gallop to do Jack's bidding. In ten minutes they had returned bearing the table with them. That is all thank you said Jack and the soldiers disappeared inside the cornet. Oh what a good supper Jack had that night quite forgetting that he owed it to a mean trick. The next day he breakfast early and then walked on towards the nearest town. On the way thither he met another old man who begged for something to eat. Certainly you shall have something to eat replied Jack and placing the table on the ground he cried the dinner of an emperor when all sorts of food dishes appeared. At first the old man ate quite greedily and said nothing but after his hunger was satisfied he turned to Jack and said that's a very clever trick of yours give the table to me and you shall have something still better. I don't believe there is anything better answered Jack. Yes there is here's my bag it will give you as many castles as you can possibly want. Jack thought for a moment then he replied very well I will exchange with you and passing the table to the old man he hung the bag over his arm. Five minutes later he summoned five hundred Lancers out of the cornet and bade them go after the old man and fetch back the table. Now that by his cunning he had obtained possession of the three magic objects he resolved to return to his native place. Smearing his face with dirt and tearing his clothes so as to look like a beggar he stopped the passers by and on pretence of seeking money or food he questioned them about the village gossip. In this manner he learned that his brothers had become great men much respected in all the country round. When he heard that he lost no time in going to the door of their fine house and imploring them to give him food and shelter but the only thing he got was hard words and a command to beg elsewhere. At length however at their mother's entreaty he was told that he might pass the night in the stable. Here he waited until everybody in the house was sound asleep when he drew his bag from under his cloak and desired that a castle might appear in that place. And the cornet gave him soldiers to guard the castle while the table furnished him with a good supper. In the morning he caused it all to vanish and when his brothers entered the stable they found him lying on the straw. Jack remained here for many days doing nothing and as far as anybody knew eating nothing. This conduct puzzled his brothers greatly and they put such constant questions to him that at length he told them the secret of the table and even gave a dinner to them. Which far out did any they had ever seen or heard of. But though they had solemnly promised to reveal nothing somehow or other the tale leaked out and before long reached the ears of the king himself. That very evening his chamberlain arrived at Jack's dwelling with a request from the king that he might borrow the table for three days. Very well answered Jack you can take it back with you but tell his majesty that if he does not return it at the end of the three days I will make war upon him. So the chamberlain carried away the table and took it straight to the king telling him at the same time of Jack's threat at which they both laughed till their sides ached. Now the king was so delighted with the table and the dinners it gave him that when the three days were over he could not make up his mind to part with it. Instead he sent for his carpenter and bade him copy it exactly and when it was done he told his chamberlain to return it to Jack with his best thanks. It happened to be dinner time and Jack invited the chamberlain who knew nothing of the trick to stay and dine with him. The good man who had eaten several excellent meals provided by the table in the last three days accepted the invitation with pleasure even though he was to dine in a stable and sat down on the straw beside Jack. The dinner of an emperor cried Jack but not even a morsel of cheese made its appearance. The dinner of an emperor shouted Jack in a voice of thunder then the truth dawned on him and crushing the table between his hands he turned to the chamberlain who bewildered and half frightened was wondering how to get away. Tell your false king that tomorrow I will destroy his castle as easily as I have broken this table. The chamberlain hastened back to the palace and gave the king Jack's message at which he laughed more than before and called all his courtiers to hear the story. But they were not quite so merry when they woke the next morning and beheld ten thousand horsemen and as many archers surrounding the palace. The king saw it was useless to hold out and he took the white flag of truce in one hand and the real table in the other and set out to look for Jack. I committed a crime said he but I will do my best to make up for it here is your table which I own with shame that I tried to steal and you shall have besides my daughter as your wife. There was no need to delay the marriage when the table was able to furnish the most splendid banquet that ever was seen and after everyone had eaten and drunk as much as they wanted. Jack took his bag and commanded a castle filled with all sorts of treasures to arise in the park for himself and his bride. At this proof of his power the king's heart died within him. Your magic is greater than mine he said and you are young and strong while I am old and tired take therefore the scepter from my hand and my crown from my head and rule my people better than I have done. So at last Jack's ambition was satisfied. He could not hope to be more than king and as long as he had his cornet to provide him with soldiers he was secure against his enemies. He never forgave his brothers for the way they had treated him though he presented his mother with a beautiful castle and everything she could possibly wish for. In the center of his own palace was a treasure chamber and in this chamber the table the cornet and the bag were kept as the most prized of all his possessions and not a week passed without a visit from King Jack to make sure they were safe. He reigned long and well and died a very old man beloved by his people but his good example was not followed by his sons and his grandsons. They grew so proud that they were ashamed to think that the founder of their race had once been a poor boy and as they and all the world could not fail to remember it as long as the table the cornet and the bag were shown in the treasure chamber one king more foolish than the rest thrust them into a dark and damp cellar. For some time the kingdom remained though it became weaker and weaker every year that passed. Then one day a rumor reached the king that a large army was marching against him. Vaguely he recollected some tales he had heard about a magic cornet which could provide as many soldiers as would serve to conquer the earth and which had been removed by his grandfather to a cellar. Thither he hastened that he might renew his power once more and in that black and slimy spot he found the treasures indeed but the table fell to pieces as he touched it. In the cornet there remained only a few fragments of leather belts which the rats had gnawed and in the bag nothing but broken bits of stone. And the king bowed his head to the doom that awaited him and in his heart cursed the ruin wrought by the pride and foolishness of himself and his forefathers. End of The Three Treasures of the Giants Recording by Kathy Little The Orange Fairy Book by Andrew Lang The Rover of the Plain A long way off near the sea coast of the east of Africa they're dwelt once upon a time a man and his wife. They have two children a son and a daughter whom they love very much and like parents in other countries they often talk to the fine marriages the young people would make someday. Up there both boys and girls marry early and very soon it seemed to the mother a message was sent by a rich man on the other side of the Great Hills offering a fat herd of oxen in exchange for the girl. Everyone in the house and in the village rejoiced and the maiden was dispatched to her new home. When all was quiet again the father said to his son, Now that we own such a splendid troop of oxen you had better hasten and get yourself a wife lest some illness should overtake them. Already we have seen in the villages round about one or two damsels whose parents would gladly part with them for less than half the herd. Therefore tell us which you like best and we will buy her for you. But the son answered, Not so. The maidens I have seen do not please me if indeed I must marry let me travel and find a wife for myself. It shall be as you wish said the parents but if buy and buy trouble should come of it it will be your fault and not ours. The youth however would not listen and getting his father and mother farewell said off on his search. Far far away he wandered over mountains and across rivers till he reached a village where the people were quite different from those of his own race. He glanced about him and noticed that the girls were fair to look upon as they pounded maize or stood something that smelled very nice in earthen pots especially if you were hot and tired and when one of the maidens turned round and offered the stranger some dinner he made up his mind that he would wed her and nobody else. So he sent a message to her parents asking their leave to take her for his wife and they came next day to bring their answer. We will give you our daughter said they if you can pay a good price for her. Never was there so hard working a girl and how we shall deal without her we cannot tell. Still no doubt your father and mother will come themselves and bring the price. No I have the price with me replied the young man laying down a handful of gold pieces. Here it is take it. The old couple's eyes glittered greedily but custom forbid them to touch the price before all was arranged. At least said they after a moment's pause we may expect them to fetch your wife to her new home. No they are not used to traveling answered the bridegroom. Let the ceremony be performed and without delay and we will set forth at once it is a long journey. Then the parents called in the girl who was lying in the sun outside the hut and in the presence of all the village a goat was killed. The sacred dance took place and a blessing was said over the heads of the young people. After that the bride was led aside by her father whose duty it was to bestow on her some parting advice as to her conduct in her married life. Be good to your husband's parents out of tea and always do the will of your husband and the girl nodded her head obediently. Next it was the mother's turn and as was the custom of the tribe she spoke to her daughter. Will you choose which of your sisters shall go with you to cut your wood and carry your water? I do not want any of them answered she they are no use they will drop the wood and spill the water. Then will you have any of the other children there are enough to spare asked the mother again. But the bride said quickly I will have none of them you must give me our buffalo the rover of the plane. He alone shall serve me. What folly you talk! cried the parents. Give you our buffalo the rover of the plane. Why you know that our life depends on him. Here he is well fed and lies on soft grass. But how can you tell what will befall him in another country. The food may be bad. He will die of hunger and if he dies we die also. No no said the bride. I can look after him as well as you. Get him ready for the sun is sinking and it is time we set forth. So she went away and put together a small pot filled with healing herbs. A horn that she used in tending sick people, a little knife and a cowabash containing dear fat. And hiding these about her she took leave of her father and mother and started across the mountains by the side of her husband. But the young man did not see the buffalo that followed them which had left his home to be the servant of his wife. No one ever knew how the news spread to the crawl that the young man was coming back bringing a wife with him. But somehow or other when the two entered the village every man and woman was standing in the road uttering shots of welcome. Ah you are not dead after all cried they and have found a wife to your liking though you would have none of our girls. Well well you have chosen your own path and if ill comes of it beware lest you grumble. Next day the husband took his wife to the fields and showed her which were his and which belonged to his mother. The girl listened carefully to all he told her and walked with him back to the hut but close to the door she stopped and sat. I have dropped my necklace of beads in the field and I must go and look for it. But in truth she had done nothing of the sort and it was only an excuse to go and seek the buffalo. The beast was crouching under a tree when she came up and snorted with pleasure at the side of her. You can roam about this field and this and this she said for they belonged to my husband and that is his wood where you may hide yourself. But the other fields are his mother's so beware lest you touch them. I will beware answered the buffalo and patting his head the girl loved him. Oh how much better a servant he was than any of the little girls the bride had refused to bring it with her. If she wanted water she had only to cross the patch of maize behind the hut and seek out the place where the buffalo lay hidden and put down her pail beside him. Then she would sit at her ease while he went to the lake and brought the bucket back brimming over. If she wanted wood he would break the branches off the trees and lay them at her feet. And the villagers watched her return late and said to each other, Surely the girls of her country are stronger than our girls for none of them could cut so quickly or carry so much. But then nobody knew that she had a buffalo for a servant. Only all this time she never gave the poor buffalo anything to eat because she had just one dish out of which she and her husband ate. While in her old home there was a dish put aside expressly for the rover of the plane. The buffalo bore it as long as he could but one day when his mistress bade him to go to the lake and fetch water his knees almost gave way from hunger. He kept silence however till the evening when he said to his mistress, I am nearly starved I have not touched food since I came here I can work no more. Alas! answered she what can I do I have only one dish in the house. You will have to steal some beans from the fields take a few here and a few there but be sure not to take too many from one place or the owner may notice it. Now the buffalo had always lived an honest life but if his mistress did not feed him he must get food for himself. So that night when all the village was asleep he came out from the wood and ate a few beans here and a few beans there. As his mistress had bidden him and when at last his hunger was satisfied he crept back to his lair. But a buffalo is not a fairy and the next morning when the women arrived to work in the fields they stood still with astonishment and said to each other, Just look at this a savage beast has been destroying our crops and we can see the traces of his feet and they hurried to their homes to tell their tale. In the evening the girl crept out to the buffalo's hiding place and said to him, They perceived what happened of course so tonight you had better seek your supper further off. And the buffalo nodded his head and followed her counsel. But in the morning when these women also went out to work the races of hoofs were plainly to be seen and they hastened to tell their husbands and begged them to bring their guns and a watch for the robber. It happened that the stranger girl's husband was the best marksman in all the village and he hid himself behind the trunk of a tree and waited. The buffalo, thinking that they would probably make a search for him in the fields, he had laid waste the evening before returned to the bean patch belonging to his mistress. The young man saw him coming with amazement. Why it is a buffalo, cried he, I never have beheld one in this country before and raising his gun he aimed just beyond the ear. The buffalo gave a leap into the air and then fell dead. It was a good shot said the young man and he ran to the village to tell them that the thief was punished. When he entered his hut he found his wife who had somehow heard the news twisting herself to and fro and shedding tears. Are you ill? asked he and she answered. Yes, I have pains all over my body but she was not ill at all only very unhappy at the death of the buffalo which had served her so well. Her husband felt anxious and sent for the medicine man but though she pretended to listen to him she threw all his medicine out of the door directly. He had gone away. With the first rays of light the whole village was awake and the women set forth armed with baskets and the men with knives in order to cut up the buffalo. Only the girl remained in her hut and after a while she too went to join them groaning and weeping as she walked along. What are you doing here? asked her husband when he saw her. If you are ill you are better at home. Oh I could not stay alone in the village said she and hear her mother-in-law left off her work to come and scold her and to tell her that she would kill herself if she did such foolish things. But the girl would not listen and sat down and looked on. When they had divided the buffalo's flesh each and each woman had the family portion in her basket. The stranger wife got up and said let me have the head. You could never carry anything so heavy answered the man and now you are ill besides. You do not know how strong I am answered she and at last they gave it to her. She did not walk to the village with the others but lingered behind and instead of entering her hut she slipped into the little shed where the pots for cooking and storing maize were kept. Then she laid down the buffalo's head and sat beside it. Her husband came to seek her and begged her to leave the shed and go to bed as she must be tired out. But the girl would not stir neither would she attempt the words of her mother-in-law. I wish she would leave me alone, she answered crossly. It is impossible to sleep if somebody is always coming in. And she turned her back on them and would not even eat the food they had brought. So they went away and the young man soon stretched himself out on his mat but his wife's odd conduct made him anxious and he laid awake all night listening. When all was still the girl made a fire and boiled some water in a pot. As soon as it was quite hot she shook in the medicine that she had brought from home and then taking the buffalo's head she made incisions with her little life behind the air and close to the temple where the shop had struck him. Next she applied the horn to the spot and blew with all her force till at length the blood began to move. After that she spread some of the deer fat out of the cowabash over the wound which she held in the steam of the hot water. Last of all she sang in a low voice a dirge over the rover of the plain. As she chanted the final words the head moved and the limbs came back. The buffalo began to feel alive again and shook his horns and stood up and stretched himself. Unluckily it was just at this moment that the husband said to himself, I wonder if she is crying still and what is the matter with her. Perhaps I had better go and see and he got up and calling her by name went out to the shed. Go away I don't want you she cried angrily but it was too late. The buffalo had fallen to the ground dead and with the wound in his head as before. The young man who unlike most of his tribe was afraid of his wife returned to his bed without having seen anything but wondering very much what she could be doing all this time. After waiting a few minutes she began her task over again and at the end the buffalo stood on his feet as before. But just as the girl was rejoicing that her work was completed in came the husband once more to see what his wife was doing. And this time he sat himself down in the hut and said that he wished to watch whatever was going on. Then the girl took up the picture and all her other things and left the shed trying for the third time to bring the buffalo back to life. She was too late the dawn was already breaking and the head fell to the ground dead and corrupt as it was before. The girl entered the hut where her husband and his mother were getting ready to go out. I want to go down to the lake and bathe said she. But she would never walk so far answered they you are so tired as it is that you can hardly stand. However in spite of their warnings the girl left the hut in the direction of the lake very soon she came back weeping and sobbed out. I met someone in the village who lives in my country and he told me that my mother is very very ill and if I do not go to her at once she will be dead before I arrive. I will return as soon as I can and now farewell. And she set forth in the direction of the mountains. But this story was not true she knew nothing about her mother only she wanted an excuse to go home and tell her family that their prophecies had come true and that the buffalo was dead. Balancing her basket on her head she walked along and directly she had left the village behind her. She broke out into the song of the rover of the plane and at last at the end of the day she came to the group of huts where her parents lived. Her friends all ran to meet her and weeping she told them that the buffalo was dead. The sad news spread like lightning through the country and the people flocked from far and near to bewailed loss of the beast who had been their pride. If you had only listened to us they cried he would be alive now but you refused all the little girls we offered you and would have nothing but the buffalo and remember what the medicine man said that the buffalo dies you die also. So they bewailed their fate one to the other and for a while they did not perceive that the girl's husband was sitting in their midst leaning his gun against a tree. Then one man turning beheld him and bowed mockingly. Hail murderer! Hail you have slain us all! The young man stared not knowing what he meant and answered wonderingly. I shout a buffalo is that why you call me a murderer? A buffalo yes but the servant of your wife it was he who carried the wood and drew the water did you not know it? No I did not know it replied the husband and surprised why did no one tell me of course I should not have shot him. Well he is dead answered they and we must die too. At this the girl took a cup in which some poisonous herbs had been crushed and holding it in her hands she wailed. Oh my father rover of the plane then drinking a deep drop from it fell back dead. One by one her parents her brothers and her sisters drank also and died singing a dirge to the memory of the buffalo. The girl's husband looked on with horror and returned sadly home across the mountains and entering his hut through himself on the ground. At first he was too tired to speak but at length he raised his head and told all the story to his father and mother who sat watching him. When he had finished they shook their heads and said now you see that we spoke no idle words when we told you that ill would come of your marriage. We offered you a good and hard working wife and you would have none of her and it is not only your wife you have lost but your fortune also. For who will give you back your money if they are all dead? It is true all my father answered the young man but in his heart he thought more of the loss of his wife than of the money he had given her. End of chapter 20