He also reported to them, “Mbâmâ told me to tell you that himself eats leaves and grass, and drinks water, and is satisfied. For, that is the food of All-the-Beasts.”

Had it not been for Boa, the Beasts would not have known about eating leaves. But, though that is so, the diligence and skill, in this affair, was of Tortoise.

So, All-the-Beasts agreed:—“We shall have two Kings, Kudu and Mbâmâ, each at his end of the country. For, the one with his wisdom told what was fit to be eaten; and, the other, with his skill, brought the news.”

TALE 15

The Suitors Of Njambo’s Daughter

Place

In Njambo’s Town

Persons

Njambo and His Daughter Ndenga Etoli (House Rat) Njâ (Leopard) Ko (Forest Rat) Nyati (Ox) Kudu (Tortoise) Njâku (Elephant)