Opening, part 3 · page 21 2101'Be quick then,' answered Gudu, climbing into a tree.102And the rabbit hastened back to the bushes, and gathered a quantity of the leaves, which he hid among his fur, 'For,' thought he, 'if I get them now I shall save myself the trouble of a walk by-and-by.'103When he had plucked as many as he wanted he returned to Gudu, and they went on together.104The sun was almost setting by the time they reached their journey's end and being very tired they gladly sat down by a well.105Then Gudu's betrothed, who had been watching for him, brought out a pitcher of water--which she poured over them to wash off the dust of the road--and two portions of food.106But once again the rabbit's hopes were dashed to the ground, for Gudu said hastily:107'The custom of the village forbids you to eat till I have finished.'108And Isuro did not know that Gudu was lying, and that he only wanted more food.109So he saw hungrily looking on, waiting till his friend had had enough.110In a little while Gudu screamed loudly: 'I am burnt!111I am burnt!' though he was not burnt at all.112Now, though Isuro had the leaves about him, he did not dare to produce them at the last moment lest the baboon should guess why he had stayed behind.113So he just went round a corner for a short time, and then came hopping back in a great hurry.114But, quick though he was, Gudu had been quicker still, and nothing remained but some drops of water.115'How unlucky you are,' said Gudu, snatching the leaves; 'no sooner had you gone than ever so many people arrived, and washed their hands, as you see, and ate your portion.'116But, though Isuro knew better than to believe him, he said nothing, and went to bed hungrier than he had ever been in his life.117Early next morning they started for another village, and passed on the way a large garden where people were very busy gathering monkey- nuts.1 2← previousOpening, part 2next →Opening, part 4↑ back to The Orange Fairy BookThis page in Markdown → https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg3027/3/page/2/