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THE PROMISE OF MASSANG
73

Master," cried the Black Man, "we have suffered enough already because of our evil deed. With all our wealth we have been wretchedly unhappy and have found neither peace by day nor sleep by night!"

"That is indeed true!" groaned the White Man. "We will give you all our wealth and become beggars, if you will but forgive us and let us go away unharmed." And even the Green Man nodded his head in token of agreement. At this the heart of Massang was softened.

"Come!" said he. "Get up and we will talk it over." And when they had risen to their feet, he said, "This much I will require of you; let each of you take half of his wealth and go with it to the bank of a certain river. There you will find a poor man who has nothing in all the world save only one cow. Give him the treasure that you have brought, and say to him, 'Your son, Massang, sends you wealth and prosperity with his love.' Do