t before the
puma directly. He drank it to the last drop, and then took leave.

On his way home he met the monkey. 'Are you fond of milk?' asked he.
'I know a place where you get it very nice. I will show you it if
you like.' The monkey knew that the puma was not so good-natured for
nothing, but he felt quite able to take care of himself, so he said he
should have much pleasure in accompanying his friend.

They soon reached the same river, and, as before, the puma remarked:
'Friend monkey, you will find it very shallow; there is no cause for
fear. Jump in and I will follow.'

'Do you think you have the stag to deal with?' asked the monkey,
laughing. 'I should prefer to follow; if not I shall go no further. The
puma understood that it was useless trying to make the monkey do as he
wished, so he chose a shallow place and began to swim across. The monkey
waited till the puma had got to the middle, then he gave a great spring
and jumped on his back, knowing quite well that the puma would be afraid
to shake him off, lest he should be swept away into deep water. So in
this manner they reached the bank.

The banana grove was not far distant, and here the puma thought he would
pay the monkey out for forcing him to carry him over the river. 'Friend
monkey, look what fine bananas,' cried he. 'You are fond of climbing;
suppose you run up and throw me down a few. You can eat the green ones,
which are the nicest, and I will be content with the yellow.'

'Very well,' answered the monkey, swinging himself up; but he ate all
the yellow ones himself, and only threw down the green ones that were
left. The puma was furious and cried out: 'I will punch your head for
that.' But the monkey only answered: 'If you are gong to talk such
nonsense I won't walk with you.' And the puma was silent.

In a few minutes more they arrived at the field were the men were
reaping the maize, and the puma remarked as he had done before: 'Friend
monkey, if you wish to please these men, just say as you go by: "Bad
luck to all workers."

'Very well,' replied the monkey; but, instead, he nodded and smiled,
and said: 'I hope your industry may be rewarded as it deserves.' The men
thanked him heartily, let him pass on, and the puma followed behind him.

Further along the path they saw the shining snake lying on the moss.
'What a lovely necklace for your daughter,' exclaimed the puma. 'Pick it
up and take it with you.'

'You are very kind, but I will leave