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It is the time to make farms. All the animals in the town have agreed to go on a certain day and help Nymo cut his “bush” and clear his land. But Leopard coaxes the animals to desert Nymo, and takes them to work on his own farm. Nymo is “vexed too much.” He studies up a plan to get even with Leopard. He knows that there is only one spring on Leopard's farm, and that some time during the day the animals must come there for water. So he takes his harp and hides himself near the spring. The animals send Water- Deer to get water for them. Water-Deer hears the music, and begins to dance. He forgets all about the water. He stays so long, that the animals send Goat. Goat also begins to dance, and forgets about the water. Dog comes and dances. Bush-Cow comes and dances. All the animals except Leopard come, and all join in the dance. Finally Leopard comes, very angry; but as soon as he hears the music, which is a song about his wisdom and courage and strength, Leopard also begins to dance. They dance all day, and on their return to town tell Nymo, who has taken a short cut ahead of them, that they have not cut “plenty bush’ for Leopard, because they had ‘big, big play” down by the spring. Nymo goes his way, glad because he has again beaten Leopard.

Sub-Saharan Stories