e. "Where are you taking
that cow to?"

"I am taking it to Mugassa, don't you know. How would a little fellow
like me have the courage to go so far from home if it were not that I am
on service for Mugassa? I am charged also to tell you, Buffalo, that if
you like to join in the feast Mugassa is about to give, he will be glad
to have you as a guest."

"Oh, well, that is good news indeed. I will come along now, Rabbit, and
am very glad to have met you. How do you do, Lion?"

A short distance off the party met a huge rogue elephant, who stood in
the middle of the road, and demanded to know where the cow was being
taken, in a tone which required a quick answer.

"Now, Elephant, get out of the way. This cow is being taken to Mugassa,
who will be angry with you if I am delayed. Have you not heard of the
feast he is about to give? By the bye, as you are one of the guests,
you might as well help me to drive this cow, and let me get on your
back, for I am dreadfully tired."

"Why, that's grand," said the Elephant, "I shall be delighted to feast
with Mugassa, and--come get on my back. I will carry you with pleasure.
And, Rabbit," whispered Elephant, as he lifted him by his trunk, "don't
forget to speak a good word for me to Mugassa."

Soon a leopard and then a hyena were met, but seeing such a powerful
crowd behind the cow, they affected great civility, and were invited to
accompany Rabbit's party to Mugassa's feast.

It was quite dark by the time they arrived at Rabbit's village. At the
gate stood two dogs, who were Rabbit's chums, and they barked furiously;
but hearing their friend's voice, they came up and welcomed Rabbit.

The party halted, and Rabbit, after reaching the ground, whispered to
Dogs how affairs stood, and Dogs wagged their tails approvingly, and
yauped with fun as they heard of Rabbit's wit. It did not take long for
Dogs to understand what was required of them, and one of them bounded
off to the village, and after a short time returned with a pretended
message from the great Mugassa.

"Well, my friends, do you hear what Mugassa says?" cried Rabbit, with a
voice of importance.

"Dogs are to lay mats inside the village by the gate, and the cow is to
be killed, and the meat prepared nicely and laid on the mats. And when
that is done, Mugassa himself will come and give each his portion. He
says that you are all very welcome.

"Now listen to me before I go in to Mugassa, and I will show you