Once he was travelling with a great number of people, and an enemy pursued them. On arriving at some water he said, “My grandfather’s father, open thyself that I may pass through, and close thyself afterwards.” So it took place as he had said, and they went safely through. Then their enemies tried to pass through the opening also, but when they were in the midst of it, it closed again upon them, and they perished.[1] [[108]]
Heitsi Kabip died several times, and came to life again. When the Hottentots pass one of his graves they throw a stone on it for good luck.[2]
Heitsi Eibip could take many different forms. Sometimes he appeared handsome, very handsome, or his hair grew long down to his shoulders; at other times it was again short. [[109]]
37. THE VICTORY OF HEITSI EIBIP.
(From a German original Manuscript in Sir G. Grey’s Library, H. C. Knudsen’s “Notes on the Hottentots,” p. 7.)
At first they were two. One had made a large hole in the ground, and sat by it, and told passers-by to throw a stone at his forehead. The stone, however, rebounded and killed the person who had thrown it, so that he fell into the hole. At last Heitsi Eibip was told that in this manner many people died. So he arose and went to the man, who challenged Heitsi Eibip to throw (a stone) at him. The latter, however, declined, for he was too prudent; but he drew the man’s attention to something on one side, and while he turned round to look at it, Heitsi Eibip hit him behind the ear, so that he died and fell into his own hole. After that there was peace, and people lived happily.[3] [[110]]
38. ANOTHER VERSION OF THE SAME LEGEND.
(The original, in the Hottentot language, is in Sir G. Grey’s Library, G. Krönlein’s Manuscript, p. 36.)