Page:More Australian legendary tales.djvu/92

 the poison. If I had it I could soon make myself feared of all the tribes as he is."

Thus thinking he sat down to wait until Mungoongarlee awoke. He did not have to wait long. Mungoongarlee slept but restlessly. Feeling something was near he awoke, sat up and looked round. At a little distance away he saw Ouyouboolooey. As he was making a rush at him, Ouyouboolooey called out:

"Take care! If you kill me you will hear nothing of the plot the tribes have planned against you, of which I have come to warn you."

"What plot? What can the tribes do against me? Have I killed numbers of the biggest tribe to be frightened now of the others?"

"If you knew their plot you would have no need to fear them; knowing it not your life is in danger."

"Then tell it to me."

"So I meant to do. But you were going to kill me, though I had not harmed you. Why, then, should I save your life?"

"If you do not tell me I shall surely kill you."

"Then you will be killed yourself, for no one else will warn you."

"Tell me the plot, Ouyouboolooey, and your life is spared, and the lives of your tribe for ever."

"How do I know that you will keep your word? You will promise much, but how do I know that you will fulfil your promise?"

"Ask of me what pleases you, and I will give it to you, to show I mean what I say."

"Then while I tell you the plot that threatens you, give