“I should like the skin of an Elephant,” said she, for she thought that her husband could do anything.
The Hyrax did not know what to say to this astonishing request, but he knew that if he did not keep his word to his wife she would have no respect for him. At last he went to a very old Hyrax whose fur was entirely white and who lived in a den by himself far up on the mountain, and asked his advice.
“It is almost harvest time,” said the very old Hyrax when he had heard the story. “Go and ask the Earthworm, the Cock, the Cat, the Dog, the Hyena, the Leopard, and the Elephant to come and help you with your harvest. When they come, you will see what to do.”
“I do not understand,” said the Hyrax.
“No matter,” said the very old Hyrax. “Do as I tell you, and all will be well.”
The Hyrax did exactly as he had been told, and asked all the creatures to come and help him with his harvest. All promised to come. Then he went home and waited.
Early in the morning the Earthworm came with his spear and his hoe and went to work. Next the Cock appeared with his spear and his hoe.
“Is any one here?” asked the Cock.
“The Earthworm has come. He is at work over there,” said the Hyrax.
“He will make a fine breakfast for me,” said the Cock, and he gobbled the Earthworm and went to work.