Page:Where Animals Talk (West African folk lore tales).djvu/29

 Rat was angry and kicked with one foot at a leg of the image. And that foot was retained by that leg of the image. Rat kicked with his remaining foot; it also was retained by the image's other leg. He was thus held in the power of the image.

Rat, in desperation, said, "Let me go!" The image spoke, and simply said, "No!" Rat felt he was in a bad situation; but he put on a bold face. He knew that, by his long delay, the others must have given up the work at the brook, and would by now be returning to the camp; and, in a little while, he would be discovered. To forestall that discovery, he shouted out, "Mwe NĕjgâNjĕgâ [sic], come quickly! I've found the person who changes your bundles!" Leopard, on the path, heard his voice, and replied, "My child, is that so? Hold him fast!" Rat still daringly said, "Come quickly! He wants to get away from my grasp!" Leopard replied, "Hold fast! I am coming!" They all came hastily, both of Rat's people, and of Leopard's people; and there they saw Rat held fast by the hands and legs of the image. Leopard asked, "Where is he?" Rat, daring to the last, said, "This little man here that I am holding." Leopard said, "Now that I am here, let go of him, for I will take charge of him." Rat struggled, but in vain. Leopard several times repeated his direction to Rat, "Let go of him!" But Rat was utterly unable to withdraw his limbs from the power of the image. And he gave up the effort, in shame. Then Leopard had to help release Rat; the conferred power of the image being subservient to him. He did not strike Rat, he being his relative. But rebuked him, "Ah! Ntori! now I know it was you who made all the trouble about my meat!" And he took back all his fine bundles, and returned Rat his poor bundles. Rat went to his own camp ashamed, but still angry at the unjust division of the meat.

As Leopard's baskets were now full, he announced that they should prepare to break camp, and return to town. Rat's women murmured, "Ah! all going away, and our baskets almost empty!" Rat comforted them, "Yes; it is so; but, we will find a way to fill them!"

So, the next day, while the others were gone to get leaves and vines with which to tie up their baskets, Rat took his