they reached their journey's
end and being very tired they gladly sat down by a well. Then 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. But once again the rabbit's hopes were dashed to
the ground, for Gudu said hastily:

'The custom of the village forbids you to eat till I have finished.'
And Isuro did not know that Gudu was lying, and that he only wanted more
food. So he saw hungrily looking on, waiting till his friend had had
enough.

In a little while Gudu screamed loudly: 'I am burnt! I am burnt!' though
he was not burnt at all. Now, 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. So he just went round a corner for a
short time, and then came hopping back in a great hurry. But, quick
though he was, Gudu had been quicker still, and nothing remained but
some drops of water.

'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.' But, though Isuro knew better than to
believe him, he said nothing, and went to bed hungrier than he had ever
been in his life.

Early next morning they started for another village, and passed on the
way a large garden where people were very busy gathering monkey-nuts.

'You can have a good breakfast at last,' said Gudu, pointing to a heap
of empty shells; never doubting but that Isuro would meekly take the
portion shown him, and leave the real nuts for himself. But what was his
surprise when Isuro answered:

'Thank you; I think I should prefer these.' And, turning to the kernels,
never stopped as long as there was one left. And the worst of it was
that, with so many people about, Gudu could not take the nuts from him.

It was night when they reached the village where dwelt the mother of
Gudu's betrothed, who laid meat and millet porridge before them.

'I think you told me you were fond of porridge,' said Gudu; but Isuro
answered: 'You are mistaking me for somebody else, as I always eat meat
when I can get it.' And again Gudu was forced to be content with the
porridge, which he hated.

While he was eating it, however a sudden thought darted into his mind,
and he managed to knock over a great pot of water which was hanging in
front of the fire, and pu