Page:Papuan Fairy Tales.djvu/192

148 "Nay, verily," said the second sister. ' Thou art but a snake. Let me pass." And she also went her way.

Last of all came the third sister. The snake asked once more, "Wilt thou chew some food for me because I am an hungered?"

"Yea, I will chew some for thee," said she at once, and sat down beside the snake, fearing nought. Then she chewed the taro she held, and made it soft and fed him with it. After a space she said, "Hast thou had enough?"

"It is enough," he made answer. 'I am no longer hungry. Whither goest thou?" he asked.

"I go to the river to fish."

"Then will I tell thee somewhat," quoth he.

"When thou hearest a noise in the heavens, fish. But at the second noise climb the hill." Then she bade him farewell and left him, wondering what his words might mean.

Now when she reached the river she saw nought of her sisters, for they had not tarried for her. Then she heard the voice of thunder, of which the snake had spoken. (This is the tale thou askedst of me.) She began therefore to fish, and soon the basket slung at her side was full. Then came the second peal, of which she had been warned. She fled up the side of the mountain, and watched while much rain fell and great trees were swept down by the flood, but she stirred not until the storm was over.

Then she came down once more, and set out for