Page:Where Animals Talk (West African folk lore tales).djvu/49

 When they approached the town, the inhabitants, with great politeness, ran out to welcome them, shouting," Agĕnda! Saleni, Saleni!" (Strangers! Welcome ye! welcome ye!) Rat turned to the company and said, "Hear that! you see they are saluting me as the leader of this company."

Upon their entering the town, they were shown to the large public Reception-House; and the people said to them, "Now! strangers (Agĕnda!), march in!" Rat turned again to his companions, and said, "You see! they have again addressed me specially by name, asking me to take possession of this room."

They all went in feeling uncomfortably; but Rat said to them, "Never mind! though this room was evidently prepared specially for me, I am not selfish, and I invite you to share it with me."

After the visitors had all been seated, the people came to give them the formal final salutation, saying "Strangers (Agĕnda), mbolani! (long life to ye)." Rat promptly whispered to his companions, saying, "This mbolo is to me for you, I alone will respond to it," So, only he replied, "Ai Mbolani! Ai." (Mbolani is the second person plural of the irregular defective verb Mbolo equal to "live long.")

The day passed. In the evening, the people brought in an abundant supply of food, and set it down on the table, saying, "Strangers (Agĕnda!), eat! Here is your food!" And they went out, closing the door, so that the guests in their eating should not be annoyed by spectators. Then Rat said, "You see! All this food is mine, though I am not able to eat it all." He alone began to eat of it. When he had satisfied his appetite, he said, "Truly this food is my own, but I am sorry for you, and I will give you of it." So he gave out to each, one by one, very small pieces of fish and plantain.

In the morning, the people thoughtfully sent water for the usual morning washing of hands and face. Rat hasted to open the door; and the slaves carrying the vessels of water, said to him, "These are sent to the strangers (Agĕnda)." So Rat took the water and used it all for himself.

This second day was a repetition of the first. The townspeople continued their hospitality, sending food and drink and tobacco and fruits; and making many kind inquiries of