Atondido Stories
And Earth-Worm said, "Yes, yes, where shall I hide?" and he was
much excited. "Hide under this clam-shell," said Rabbit. So Earth
-Worm crawled under the clam-shell and sat very still, trembling
for his life.
When Duck arrived, Rabbit said, "Good morning." "Good
morning, Mr. Merchant," said Duck, wishing to be polite. "I have
come for my corn, for it is the appointed day of delivery." "True,
true," said Rabbit, "but first we shall have dinner. It will be ready
in a few minutes. It will be an honour for me to have you dine
with me." As they sat waiting for their dinner, Rabbit said,
"Would you care to eat an Earth-Worm before your dinner? It
would be a good appetizer for you." And Duck said, "Thank you
very much. I am very fond of Earth-Worms." Rabbit lifted the
clam-shell and poor Earth-Worm was quickly gobbled up by
Duck. And Rabbit, laughing to himself, thought, "Now I am
getting rid of my customers."
As Rabbit and Duck sat talking, they saw Fox trotting up the
path. He was another customer coming for his corn. And Rabbit
said courteously, "Madam, I see your old enemy Fox approach-
ing. He will probably wish to eat you up; you had better hide."
And Duck with her feathers all ruffled with excitement said,
"Yes, yes, where shall I hide?" And Rabbit said, "Hide under this
basket." So Duck crawled under the over-turned basket and sat
very still.
Fox soon came in and said, "Good day, Rabbit. I have come
for my corn, for I am in sore need of it to catch chickens, and the
seven days have passed." "You are very punctual," said Rabbit,
"but first let us have dinner. It will be ready in a few minutes. It
will make you stronger to carry your heavy load." As they sat
waiting for their dinner, Rabbit said, "Listen, Fox. Would you
care to eat a fat Duck now? It would be a tasty bit for you before
204