Page:The Folk-Lore Journal Volume 1 1883.djvu/347

Rh no longer are a substance in a lump any more, but become steam and distilled drops, and go out along a bamboo or a brass pipe, and emerging thence, you become rwm, making wise men fools, and are no longer sugar-cane. So that we cannot be friends with you sugar-canes," said the rice.

IKÒTOFÉTSY AND IMÀHAKÀ.

One day, it is said, Ikòtofétsy and Imàhakà displayed an idol, but it was only a piece of manioc-root which they had covered with scarlet cloth. And the day was very cloudy, and just as if heavy rain was coming on; the wind also blew very hard. So they called the people together, and bade them assemble in an open space; and then they brought out the idol, but it did not move (because it was only manioc-root). So Ikòtofétsy and Imàhakà said, "Since we brought out the god, and you did not bring tribute to him, he will not show you his glory, and is angry; therefore there will be heavy rains to-day, and the waters will be flooded." (At the same time they knew well that rain would fall plentifully, and the streams be all flooded.) Accordingly, the rain soon fell heavily on that day, and the waters were indeed all flooded; and the people were all exceedingly astonished, and feared greatly.

Then Ikòtofétsy and Imàhakà procured a serpent (called mànditra), and wrapped it up in scarlet cloth as they had done with the piece of manioc-root, and placed it in a basket. And the two fellows spoke thus to the people: "This is the word of our god: he was angry yesterday, but we besought him, and so the heavy rain ceased; so now look, for he will appear to-day, therefore let us all dance, and every one bring an offering." So they brought the serpent in the