[28]. I have often heard these birds, and their notes quickly suggested the phrases quoted above, and undoubtedly gave rise to the story.
This is why you hear these birds jeer at and abuse the Fowl and Dog, because they left their friends to shiver in the cold while they enjoyed themselves in warmth and plenty.
Story VI
The Eagle leaves the Tortoise in the lurch
A Leopard had three young children, and she asked the Tortoise to take care of them while she was away hunting.
“Very well,” said the Tortoise, “I will nurse them for you.”
So the Leopard went hunting, and after a time she returned with some meat which she wished to give to her children.
“No, no, do not open the door,” whispered the Tortoise, “your children are asleep. Throw the meat in at the window.” The meat was passed through the window, and the Leopard went off hunting again.
While the Leopard was gone the second time, an Eagle came to the Tortoise and said: “Friend Tortoise, let us make blood-brotherhood.”
The Tortoise agreed, and the friendship was properly made. After a short time the Eagle asked the Tortoise for one of the children to eat, and one was taken, and they ate it between them.