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102
PAPUAN FAIRY TALES

Then he passed through the Cockatoos' plantation, and after that the Hornbills', and was asked and answered in the same manner.

By this time the Butterfly was weary, and hoped that he would meet no one else. But he was still some distance from the burying ground when he met a great Hawk. Then said the Hawk in a harsh voice, "What hast thou wrapped up there?"

"Nought for which thou woudlst care, my lord," said the Butterfly, and his voice was small with fear.

"Nay, but I will judge of that," said the Hawk, and he swooped down upon the bundle which the Buttertlv carried. Then the bird flew up into a tree, and, seating hmiself there, ate the dead Mouse in a mouthful.

But the Butterfly did not tarry to see what would befall. He made haste to find his brother, who was older and stronger than he. And when he had found him he cried, "Bring thy sling with thee, brother," and together the two Butterflies sped to where the Hawk was still sitting on the bough of the tree.

The Butterrly's brother waited not. He placed a stone in his sling, and whirling it round his head let fly at the Hawk. The great bird tell to the ground, and was dead. Then the two Butterflies, having avenged the dishonour done to the dead. body of the Mouse, returned home.