Wakaima and the Clay Man (5) 完

Wakaima and the Clay Man (5) 完


Very early Wanjovu got up and went to his farm.

He wanted to see if the clay man had trapped the thief.

And he found Wakaima, held by the clay man.

" You wicked fellow ! " he thundered.
" So you are the thief who has stolen my food.
Do you not have a farm of your own ?
I suppose it was easier to steal my corn and potatoes than work over yours.
What a lazy good-for-nothing you are !
Now I shall punish you. "

He pulled up Wakaima until he had a freed him from the clay man.
Poor Wakaima !
He looked so ashamed and so wretched.

Wanjovu could not help feeling a little sorry for him.

" What are you going to do with me ? " sobbed Wakaima.

Wanjovu thought for a while. Finally he said:
" I realy ought to eat you. You have eaten my crops, so I should eat you. You did not tell the truth about your own garden. "

" But you cannot eat me alive, " protested Wakaima.
" I will have to be dead before you eat me, "

" Well, what do you want me to do ? " Wanjovu asked uneasily.
He did not feel very happy about eating his friend Wakaima.

Wakaima pointed to the jungle.
" Throw me over there among the trees, " he said.
" Throw me very high among the branches. By the time I hit the ground, I will be dead. Then you can eat me. "

Wanjovu lifted Wakaima.
He threw him high up among the branches of the trees.

But when Wakiama struck the ground he was not dead. He was not even hurt.

He landed lightly on his feet and scampered away into the jungle.

Wanjovu Knew that he could not catch him.
He went back to his farm.

Since that time, Wanjovu and Wakaima have not spoken to one another.

(おわり　5/5)