Page:The Folk-Lore Journal Volume 3 1885.djvu/339

 FOLK-TALES OF INDIA. 331

for I've got the belly-ache." Said the pigeon, " Surely, sir, it was never before known that crows were troubled with such a complaint. At night, in each of the three watches, crows feel a sinking (for want of food); but, after swallowing the wicks of the lamps, for a while they are satisfied. But perhaps you are desirous of eating the fish hang- ing about here. Now, human food is surely not fit eating for crows. Pray don't attempt any such thing ; but come along with me, and see what we can find to eat." The crow made answer, *' Oh ! master, I can't." " Well, the result will show whether you are ill or only shamming. You'll prove that by your own action. While I am away don't be influenced by greediness ; but be careful what you do." Having thus warned the crow, the Bodhisat went on his way as usual. When the cook had prepared the various dishes of fish, he uncovered the cooking-pots for a moment to let the steam escape, and placed the sauce-boat upon the top of a fish-kettle. As the perspiration was falling off him, he went outside to cool himself, and stood at the door wiping his face. At that instant the crow, raising its head from the basket, and looking round the kitchen, discovered the cook's absence, and thought to himself — " Since he has now done what I wanted, this is just the time to eat the fish. Let me see ! Shall I take a big lump or a very small piece ? Well, I can't get a belly-full quickly with a small morsel, so I'll carry off a large piece, and drop it into the basket and afterwards I'll lie down and eat it." Flying out of the basket he alighted on the sauce-boat, which caused a ^^ splash!''^ The cook, on hearing the noise, exclaimed, "What's that, I wonder ? " As he had observed the crow enter the kitchen he thought to himself — " This wretched crow wants to eat the fish I've cooked for the master; but I depend for my livelihood upon my master, and not upon this witless thing; so what use is the crow to me?"

Closing the door he caught hold of the bird, and then proceeded to pluck off all its feathers, and to smear it all over with a mixture of wet ginger, salt, pepper, mustard, and pulverised rotten dates. Having done this he tossed the poor crow into the nest-basket, where it lay groaning, overpowered by excessive pain. The pigeon, on re- turning in the evening, took note of the miserable plight his friend