Atondido Stories
How the Toad Got His Bruises
Once upon a time, ages and ages ago, the toad had a smooth
skin. In those days he was a great gad about. He never could be
found in his own house. If any one had a party he was sure to
go, no matter how far away from home it was held, or how long
it took to get there.
One day the toad received an invitation to attend a party in
the sky. "You never can get to this party," said his friend, the ar-
madillo. "You know how slowly you travel here upon earth."
"Wait and see whether or not I go to the party," said the toad.
Not far from the toad's house there lived a big black buzzard. No
one liked the buzzard. He was very unpopular with all the birds
and beasts. The toad hopped over to the buzzard's house. The
buzzard was outside the door making music on his violin.
"Good morning, Friend Buzzard," said the toad. "Are you go-
ing to attend the party in the sky?"
The buzzard replied that he was planning to go.
"That is good," said the toad. "May I have the pleasure of
your company for the trip?"
The buzzard was delighted to have the toad seek his compa-
ny. It was a new experience.
"I'll be charmed to go to the party with you," replied the buz-
zard. "What time shall we start?"
"We'll start at four o'clock," said the toad. "Come to my house
and we'll go on from there. Be sure to bring your violin with
you."
Promptly at four o'clock the buzzard arrived at the toad's
house. He had his violin with him, of course, because the toad
had asked him to bring it.
"I'm not quite ready to go," the toad called out. "Just leave
your violin there by the door and step inside. It will take me
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