Page:Papuan Fairy Tales.djvu/97

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THE TWINS
63

When this was done it was time to make for home. Manubada was heavy freight indeed, nevertheless at last they reached their village once more.

Now it came to pass that ere they landed their mother had been to look at the branch of dracaena leaves, and found it was shaking and quivering as though a strong wind were blowing. Thereupon, never doubting her sons' word, the widow began to dance.

"What doest thou, O widow?" asked her neighbours.

"I do but rejoice since my sons have killed Manubada, who slew their father."

"How then could two little lads have killed so great a bird?" mocked the villagers.

But the widow gave them no heed, and danced on until the canoe came to the shore.

Then did Kototabe and Kelokelo land, and they showed the spoil to the men who thronged about them. And Manubada was roasted and divided into joints, so that every tribe might have a share. The mountain people were given the head, and, when an enemy attacks them now, they bow the head that they may not be hurt. But to the coast folk was given the side, and it is therefore always their custom to leap aside when spears are flying, and so they cannot be harmed by their enemies. And lo, I who tell this tale am of the coast, and thou mayest know that the word is true, for never have I been harmed, though I have fought many fights.