Ngâmbi (Igwana) Njâ (Leopard) Betoli (Rats) Vyâdu (Antelope) Ihĕli (Gazelle) Ehibo (Red Antelope)

NOTE

Natives believe that the Igwana kills with its long tongue. This story assigns the fear of leopards as a reason why Igwanas like to live near water. Igwanas swim readily, while leopards (as all the cat-tribe) do not like even to wet their feet.

There were two friends, Igwana and Leopard, living in the same village, one at each end. Igwana had six wives; Leopard also had six. Leopard begot twenty children; Igwana had eight. One time, at night, they were sitting with their wives and children in the street, in a conversation. Leopard said to Igwana, “Ngâmbi! I have a word to say to you.” Igwana said, “Speak.”

Then Leopard said, “I wish you and me to have our food together.” Igwana agreed, “Well.” And Leopard arranged, “For two months, you shall come and eat in my house; and then, for two months, I at your house.”

And they separated, to go to their houses for sleep.

Soon the night passed, and day broke.