Page:Where Animals Talk (West African folk lore tales).djvu/226

 Almost in an instant (by his magic Ngalo) he was at the place of the Great Tooth. It asked, "How is it there?" He replied, "Good!" The Gourd, in leaving, reported to Its mother, the Tooth, "A fine fellow, that person there!"

He went on with his journey, his feet treading firmly. Almost with one stride (by aid of his Ngalo), in the twinkling of eyes, he was near the spring at his own town.

Then he said, "Now let me open the chest here!" On his opening it, a maiden attended by her servant came stepping out, arrayed in the clothing which had been placed in the chest for her dress. One's eyes would ache at sight of her silks, and the fine form of her person. And you or any other one could say, "Yes! you are a bride! truly a bride!"

Two young women rose up in the town to go to the spring to dip up water. They were just about to come to the spring, when they saw their brother and his wife and her servant. They two went back together rapidly to the town, saying, "Well! if there isn't the woman whom Mbuma-tyĕtyĕ has married! They are two women and himself!"

The town emptied itself to go and meet them on the path. His father took powder and guns, with which to announce the arrival; and cannon were roaring. When the young woman came and stood there in the street, there was only shouting and shouting, in admiration.

Another brother, named Njâ, when he came to see her, was so impressed to get a wife like her, that, without waiting for the salutations to be made, he said to his mother, "My mother! make for me my mekima, too."

Mbuma-tyĕtyĕ entered into the house, he and his wife. At once hot water was set before them, and they went to bathe. When they had finished, they entered the public Reception-Room. Njâ, impatient to get away and, in impolite haste, said, "Now, for my journey!" His brother advised him, "First wait; let me tell you how the way is." He replied, "Not so!" And he started off on his journey.

The others sat down to tell, and to hear the news. They told Mbuma-tyĕtyĕ the affairs of the town; and he responded as to how he had come. When he had completely finished, he was welcomed, "Iyĕ! Oka! oka-O! But now, sit down and stay."

Now, when Njâ had gone, he met the two Millepedes