Page:Where Animals Talk (West African folk lore tales).djvu/77

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WHERE ANIMALS TALK
71

of this marriage. However, as Ilâmbe had insisted on choosing her own way, he did not interfere.

After the marriage was over, and the feast eaten, Ra-Mborakinda called his daughter, and said, "Ilâmbe, mine, now you are going off on your journey." She said, "Yes; for I love my husband." The father asked, "Do you love him truly?" She answered "Yes." Then he told her, "As you are married now, you need a present from me, as your ozendo (bridal gift)." So, he gave her a few presents, and told her, "Go to that house," indicating a certain house in the town; and he gave her the key of the house, and told her to go and open the door. That was the house where he kept all his charms for war, and fetishes of all kinds. He told her, "When you go in, you will see two Kabala, standing side by side. The one that will look a little dull, with its eyes directed to the ground, take it; and leave the brighter looking one. When you are coming with it, you will see that it walks a little lame. Nevertheless, take it." She objected, "But, father, why do you not give me the finer one, and not the weak one?" But he said, "No!" and made a knowing smile, as he repeated, "Go, and take the one I tell you." He had reason for giving this one. The finer-looking one had only fine looks; but this other one would some day save her by its intelligence.

She went and took Horse, and returned to her father; and the journey was prepared. The father sent with her, servants to carry the baggage, and to remain with and work for her at the town of her marriage. She and her husband arranged all their things, and said good-bye, and off they went, both of them sitting on Horse's back.

They journeyed and they journeyed. On the way, Ogula-Njĕgâ, though changed as to his form and skin, possessed all his old tastes. Having been so many days without tasting blood or uncooked meats, as they passed through the forest of wild beasts, the longing came on him. They emerged onto a great prairie, and journeyed across it toward another forest. Before they had entirely crossed the prairie, the longing for his prey so overcame him that he said, "Wife, you with your Kabala and the servants stay here while I go rapidly ahead; and wait for me until I come again." So he went off, entered the forest, and changed himself back