Page:More Australian legendary tales.djvu/93

 me your hidden poison bag to hold. Then only shall I feel safe. Then only shall I tell you what was planned at the water-hole where the tribes meet to drink; where all said the Daens should be saved and your end assured. And surely it will be so if you do not know their plans."

Mungoongarlee asked Ouyouboolooey to name some other boon, and surely he would grant it; but his hidden poison bag would he give to none.

"That is the way. You ask me to name what I want. I do so. You cannot grant it. So be it. Keep your poison bag. I will keep my plot." And he moved as if to go.

"Stay!" cried Mungoongarlee, who was determined to hear the plot at all risks.

"Then let me hold the poison bag."

Mungoongarlee tried to induce Ouyouboolooey to make other terms, but in vain, so he gave in. Reaching into his mouth he drew the hidden poison bag out; then he tried to frighten Ouyouboolooey from taking it by saying:

"The touch of it will poison one not used to handle it. I will put it beside me while you tell the plot against me."

"You will not do what I ask; I will go." And he turned away.

"Not so; not so!" cried Mungoongarlee. "Here, take it."

Assuming as indifferent an air as he could, Ouyouboolooey took the bag, and went back with it to his old place on the edge of the camp.

"Now quickly tell me the plot," said Mungoongarlee.

"It was this," said Ouyouboolooey, putting the poison bag into his own mouth. Then going on: "It was this.