The Kite was so alarmed that he dropped the Tortoise and flew away. And because of his broken promise to his friend he has lost the power to sail on the wind like the Eagle; but has to constantly flutter and flap his wings.[[29]]
[29]. To break a promise made at the time of making blood-brotherhood is considered very bad, and is regarded as certain to bring punishment.
Story VIII
Why the Plantain-eater did not build a Nest
The Plantain-eater is a gaudy-plumaged bird, not quite so large as a Cockatoo. It is called by the natives Lukulukoko. Its notes are, Kulu! kulu! kulukoko! hence the natives say, “It is always talking about itself.”
All the birds built nests so that when it rained they could enter them and remain dry. The Plantain-eater, however, never troubled to build a nest, but when the rain fell in torrents he went to a neighbour and said: “Let me come into your nest out of the rain.”
But his neighbour answered him: “No, go and cut some palm fronds and build your own nest.”
The Plantain-eater, at this reply, went off crying: “Kulu! kulu! kulukoko! Wait until the rain stops, and then I will fetch fronds to build my nest.”
By and by the rain ceased and the neighbours called out: “Plantain-eater, the rain is finished, now get your fronds for nest building.”
But the Plantain-eater said: “I will stop where I am, and when it rains I will raise my shoulders and put my head under my feathers, and the rain will not hurt me.”