[1] Panicum sp., probably miliare, an edible grass seed. [↑]
No. 21
Nagul-Munnā
In a village there were two persons called Nagul-Munnā and Mun-aeṭa Guruwā. While those two were living there they spoke together, “Friend, while we two are remaining in this way matters are not going on properly.” At the time when they spoke thus, Mun-aeṭa Guruwā replied to Nagul-Munnā’s talk, and said, “It is good, friend. If that be so let us two cut a chena.”
Having spoken thus, the two persons went to the chena jungle, and there being no watch-hut there, built one; and taking supplies week by week, began to chop down the bushes while they were living at the house in the jungle. Having chopped down the jungle, and burnt it, and sown the chena, the millet plants grew to a very large size.
When the two persons were at the watch-hut they remained talking one night for a long time, and said, “To-morrow we must go to the village to bring back supplies.” After talking thus, they went to sleep, both of them.
During the time while they were sleeping, Mun-aeṭa Guruwā’s clothes caught fire. Then Nagul-Munnā awoke, and jumped down to the ground, and ran away. Mun-aeṭa Guruwā was burnt in the shed and died. On account of his being killed, through fear of being charged with causing his death, Nagul-Munnā bounded off into the jungle, and did not return to the village.
That day the relatives of those people who were in the village, thinking, “Nagul-Munnā and Mun-aeṭa Guruwā will be coming to fetch supplies,” getting ready the supplies, stayed looking for them. On that day the two persons did not come; because they did not come two men went from the village to look for them.