The young man did all this. On scattering the ashes, he instantly found himself changed again to a woman, and sitting on Horse’s back; and they were running rapidly away.

That same day, in the afternoon, they came to the town of the father Ra-Mborakinda. On their arrival there, they (but especially Horse) told their whole story. Ilâmbe was somewhat ashamed of herself; for, she had brought these troubles on herself by insisting on having a husband with a perfectly fine skin. So, her father said, “Ilâmbe, my child, you see the trouble you have brought on yourself. For you, a woman, to make such a demand was too much. Had I not sent Kabala with you, what would have become of you?” The people gave Ilâmbe a glad welcome. And she went to her house, and said nothing more about fine skins.

TALE 16

Why The Plantain-Stalk Bears But One Bunch

Persons

Oyila (Oil-Palm Tree) Mbindi (Wild Goat) Akândâ (Plantain-Stalk)

NOTE