“Now, Elephant, get out of the way. This cow is being taken to Mugassa, who will be angry with you if I am delayed. Have you not heard of the feast he is about to give? By the bye, as you are one of the guests, you might as well help me to drive this cow, and let me get on your back, for I am dreadfully tired.”
“Why, that’s grand,” said the Elephant, “I shall be delighted to feast with Mugassa, and—come get on my back. I will carry you with pleasure. And, Rabbit,” whispered Elephant, as he lifted him by his trunk, “don’t forget to speak a good word for me to Mugassa.”
Soon a leopard and then a hyena were met, but seeing such a powerful crowd behind the cow, they affected great civility, and were invited to accompany Rabbit’s party to Mugassa’s feast.
It was quite dark by the time they arrived at Rabbit’s village. At the gate stood two dogs, who were Rabbit’s chums, and they barked furiously; but hearing their friend’s voice, they came up and welcomed Rabbit.
The party halted, and Rabbit, after reaching the ground, whispered to Dogs how affairs stood, and Dogs wagged their tails approvingly, and yauped with fun as they heard of Rabbit’s wit. It did not take long for Dogs to understand what was required of them, and one of them bounded off to the village, and after a short time returned with a pretended message from the great Mugassa.
“Well, my friends, do you hear what Mugassa says?” cried Rabbit, with a voice of importance.
“Dogs are to lay mats inside the village by the gate, and the cow is to be killed, and the meat prepared nicely and laid on the mats. And when that is done, Mugassa himself will come and give each his portion. He says that you are all very welcome.
“Now listen to me before I go in to Mugassa, and I will show you how you can all help to hurry the feast, for I am sure you are all anxious to begin.
“You, Hyena, you must kill the cow, and dress the meat, and Dogs will carry it in and lay it on the mats; but remember, if a bit is touched before Mugassa commands, we are all ruined.