NUER BEAST TALES.

by Capt. V. Fergusson.

THE JACKAL AND THE HYENA.

1.

Walking along the road one day Rill the Jackal was overtaken by Yak the Hyena and after passing the time of day they sat down for a chat. "Where are you going to?" asked Yak, "I was just on my way to visit some relations who can be depended on to supply a good hot brew of porridge which I am badly in need of having eaten nothing for two days," replied Rill. Yak was also famishing as, owing to a bad foot, he had been unable to procure meat for himself so asked Rill if he might accompany him.

Setting off together they walked for many miles until Yak, whose bad foot was paining him, said he could go no further. Rill, therefore, volunteered to carry him as the distance to go was not far but said that Yak must allow himself to be bound to a log of wood so that he could be carried with ease. Arriving at the house they were greeted by the inmates who had not seen Rill for some time but were astonished to see him carrying his friend in such a peculiar way.

Rill told them that he had discovered Yak on the road in a dying condition on account of hunger and asked that a bowl of porridge might be prepared without delay. All this time Yak was lying on the ground still tied to the log of wood from which Rill refused to release him until he had eaten his fill. Two plates of porridge were eventually produced and having released one of Yak's arms they began their meal. However, Yak who was not used to using a spoon, managed to swallow it by mistake and when their hosts came to remove the empty dishes and found that one spoon was missing they were very annoyed and accused Rill of stealing it. Rill, however, told them what had happened and advised them to punish Yak for his carelessness. Where- upon Yak was soundly beaten and in his struggles to release himself from his bonds he sicked up the spoon and so was once again at peace with the occupants of the house. Yak was then released and after a short rest proceeded on his way with Rill.

2.

After going a little way Yak noticed some bees swarming in a tree and asked Rill what was the cause of the disturbance. Rill explained that they

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