Part 4

Jack-John was astonished, but in a moment he thought that the time had arrived for him to make his fortune; so he said:

"I see that your grain is ripe. It is time to harvest it. How do you cut it?"

"Like everybody else," said they, "we gnaw it with the teeth."

"That must be tedious," said Jack-John.

"Oh, there are hundreds of us to do the work," said the people.

"And how long does it take you to complete the task?" asked Jack-John.

"Two or three months only," the people replied.

"Ah, well!" said Jack-John, "what it takes all of you three months to accomplish my good reap-hook will do in one hour's time. A thousand of you working together could not make as much headway. Under its magic touch the grain falls and you have only to bind it."

"What!" they exclaimed, "that little instrument does all the work?"

"Yes, indeed," said Jack-John, "and if you desire it, I will prove it to you instantly."

Thereupon Jack-John made his way to the fields of ripe golden grain, and in a few minutes had cut quantities of it. The spectators were full of admiration. Never had they seen anything so extraordinary; and to these people it was indeed a most marvellous thing for them to see accomplished in a minute the work that would require the efforts of a hundred men from sunrise to sunset. On all sides there were shouts of joy and enthusiasm.

"Oh, the beautiful machine you have there!" the people cried—"the fairy that runs and cuts the grain. What a treasure to him who possesses it!"

"I see that my beautiful reap-hook pleases you," said Jack-John. "How much are you willing to pay for it?"

"All the gold in the world would not be sufficient to pay you," said the spokesman of the people. "Name your price."

"I want each one of you to give me as many gold-pieces as my reap-hook has cut stalks of wheat."

"Your demand is modest," they answered, "and to-day each one of us will bring the required sum."

After this Jack-John was lifted on the shoulders of the multitude and carried to the neighboring village, where he was treated with great honor, and for a little more he could have become king. Soon, on all sides, the people brought sacks of gold, and such was its weight that ten mules were required to carry it. Jack-John, however, did not stay very long in this empire. He rightly thought that no country is so beautiful as one's birthplace, and, at the end of a few weeks, he arrived at his native village, where he found his two brothers, who had been as successful.

"Our good fortune," exclaimed the eldest, "has made us rich, and now it ought to make us happy."

VII

THE MYSTERIOUS ISLAND

A rich lord, who was at the same time the best of men, wishing to contribute to the happiness of one of his slaves, set him free. He equipped a vessel with a white prow and a golden stern, and said to his old servant:

"Go out into the world, navigate the seas, and choose a country that will please you, and always remember to do what good you can on the way, and remember also to avoid evil."

The grateful slave set sail, but he had journeyed only a few hours when a terrible tempest arose, and it was so violent as to throw him on an island that seemed to be deserted. The unfortunate man had lost his vessel and all his merchandise, and he was the victim of despair. When he landed on the island, the sole survivor of his expedition, he gave himself up to grief, and went forward friendless, alone, and in the direst poverty, not knowing where to direct his steps. But he was soon to be made supremely happy, for he discovered a path that was scarcely perceptible. He followed it with eagerness, and soon arrived at the top of a high mountain, from which he could see a great city.

He made haste to go in that direction, but what was his astonishment when, on approaching the city, he found himself surrounded by a great concourse of people, crying out in transports of joy. The drums beat loudly and the trumpets sounded, and on all sides the heralds exclaimed:

"Men! here is your monarch!"

At last the slave and his cavalcade arrived in the city, and with great pomp he was installed in a marvellous palace, where the kings of the country had lived. The fortunate slave was taken in charge by the servants of the palace, and robed in fine purple garments, and his head was crowned with a diadem. Then the principal lords of the realm, in the name of the people, swore allegiance to him and the obedience and fidelity due unto sovereigns. The happy monarch for a long time believed that he was dreaming. His good fortune seemed to him to be a whim—the result of circumstance.

However, after a long time he realized the full measure of his responsibility, and thought to himself—"What does all this signify? What does Providence wish me to do? This worried him night and day, and finally he sent for the wisest lord in his kingdom.

"Vizier," he asked, "who made me your King? Why do the people obey me? And what is to become of me?"

"You must know, great King," responded the minister, "that the genii who inhabit this island have asked the good Lord to send them each year a child of Adam to reign over them. These vows the great Being has deigned to answer, and every year, on the same day, a man lands on our coast. At such time the people are filled with transports of joy; they meet him with loud acclaim, as they met you, and crown him King; but the extent of his reign can only be for one year. When the twelve months are out, the King, who has been so powerful is stripped of his honors, clothed in coarse garments, and his soldiers, unmercifully pursuing a custom, seize and convey him on board a black ship, which carries him away to a deserted island, which has been rendered sterile by the winds and waves. He that was only a few days before a rich and powerful monarch, now finds himself without subjects, friends, or consolers. Thereafter he lives a sorrowful life, and the people who have obeyed his will forget even his name."

"Were my predecessors," said the King to his minister, "advised of the fate that awaited them?"

"None of them were ignorant of it," the minister replied; "but they lacked the courage and the thoughtfulness to contemplate such a future. They were dazzled by the pomp and grandeur of their position; and, in their eagerness for passing pleasures they refused to contemplate the sad end that awaited them. The year of their prosperity and power passed away almost before they knew it, and when the fatal day came they had done nothing to render their inevitable fate less insupportable."

At these words from his minister the King was filled with fear. He thought with terror of the precious time that had already passed, and with tears in his eyes he said:

"Wise friend! you have announced to me the misfortunes that are in store for me; who but you can tell me how to provide a remedy?"

"Remember, your Majesty," said the minister, "that naked and in poverty you came upon this island, and naked and in poverty you must leave it. There is but one way for you to avoid the misfortunes that threaten you. You must send to the island to which you are to be exiled a number of workmen and order them to construct vast storehouses and fill them with such provisions as seem to you necessary for sustaining life. You must prepare for the inevitable. Go quickly to work, for time presses. Time is approaching, time is passing away, and you must remember that you will only find at the place of exile the treasures you will be able to send there during the remaining few days of your reign."

The King thanked his minister, and resolved to follow the wise man's advice. Workmen of experience were despatched to the Island of Exile, and it was not long before a vast palace was built. The King conveyed an abundance of treasure there, and a thousand men were sent to render the island more inhabitable.

The day came when the King was to leave his throne; but, far from regretting it, he sighed for the hour when he would be able to take possession of his new estates. He was banished from the throne, divested of his royal robes, and sent on board a ship that conveyed him to the Island of Exile.

Having provided himself a place of refuge, he lived long and happily there.

VIII

BROTHER TIGER AND DADDY

SHEEP

During the time when the animals could talk, Daddy Sheep was the terror of all the plains and the woods. When he walked abroad, with his sharp horns hanging on his head, the creatures that met him saluted him with the utmost politeness, and then ran away, glad to escape with their lives. In order for Daddy Sheep to have such a reputation as this, it would seem to be necessary that he had made a great many victims, devouring some with his teeth, and tearing others with his terrible horns; but in regard to these matters I am not able to testify. I am of the opinion, moreover, that old Mammy Sheep, who knew him well, could not say any more. She and her friends, and, indeed, all the other animals, justified the proverb that is applied to those who are lazy and cowardly: "It is better to believe what you hear than to go and investigate the matter." As often happens, the repetition of a statement gives it currency, and all the creatures came to believe that Daddy Sheep was as terrible as rumor had described him to be.

One day, as Daddy Sheep was going out of the pasture, where he had been grazing on wild thyme, he came to a beautiful river and concluded to quench his thirst. He approached the water, and started to drink, but the terrible reflection he saw there—a frowning face surrounded by wrinkled horns frightened him to such a degree that he scampered home as fast as his legs could carry him.

One day a Tiger, who lived not far from this so-called king of the forest and plain, mustered up courage, and resolved to cultivate the good-will of his powerful neighbor by making him a visit. So he took with him his son, the young Tiger, who was already well grown. While yet at a distance the Tiger saw the powerful Sheep, and saluted him very humbly. Coming nearer, the Tiger, still humble and polite, inquired after the health of Daddy Sheep's family.

"I came, dear neighbor," said Brother Tiger, "to pay you a visit of respect. My good wife would have come also, but she is unavoidably detained at home expecting a visit from a friend, and she is compelled to postpone this pleasure to another day."

"Come in, neighbor—come in!" exclaimed Daddy Sheep. "To whom does this charming child belong?"

"It is my child," said Brother Tiger.

"Then you must accept my sincere congratulations," said Daddy Sheep.

"And your own son?" exclaimed Brother Tiger, with effusive politeness; "how is he?"

"He is very well, I thank you," said Daddy Sheep, "he is in the house."

While the two fathers were gravely discussing the affairs of the country, the young Tiger and the young Sheep went out into the garden to play. After a while, Brother Tiger became so uneasy that he could scarcely keep still.

"Excuse me a moment," he said to Daddy Sheep, "I will return directly."

"Certainly, certainly!" exclaimed Daddy Sheep. "Do not stand on ceremony here."

At once Brother Tiger went out and whispered to his son:

"Be careful, my child! You must be very polite with the little Sheep, and do not get angry, or he will eat you up."

The Tiger went back to the house, and the two young friends returned to their play. Soon the young Tiger forgot the counsel of his father, and, during their frolic, he jumped on the little Sheep and tickled him. This made the little Sheep laugh and show his teeth.

"Why, what small teeth you have!" cried the little Tiger.

"They are all like that in my family," said the little Sheep, "and those of my father are not any longer."

This set the little Tiger to thinking, and as soon as the visit was ended he exclaimed, almost before Daddy Sheep's door was shut:

"Pappy, pappy! did you see the little Sheep's teeth? They are very short, and he says that those of all his family are no longer than his."

"Hush!" exclaimed Brother Tiger. "Speak low, you little rascal, or Daddy Sheep will hear you and eat us both."

Brother Tiger, however, who had a mind of his own, thought that there might be something in what his son had said, and the idea gave him pleasure. Daddy Sheep was so fat, and his flesh must therefore be so delicate and tender. For a long time the suggestion of the little Tiger worried Brother Tiger, and he was absorbed in deep thought. Finally, one day, he mustered up all his courage, and declared that he would taste the flesh of Daddy Sheep.

But, he thought to himself, how could he see Daddy Sheep's teeth? At last the opportunity presented itself, for Daddy Sheep and his son paid Brother Tiger a visit Brother Tiger received Daddy Sheep with the greatest politeness, and saluted him. He invited Daddy Sheep into his house, and begged him to make himself at home. For the refreshment of his guests Brother Tiger set out wine. The little Sheep drank some and went out to play; but Daddy Sheep, who was very fond of his glass, remained inside.

"How do you like my wine, neighbor?" asked Brother Tiger.

"It is most excellent!" exclaimed Daddy Sheep, with enthusiasm.

"Then have another glass," said Brother Tiger.

"Very well," said Daddy Sheep; "I thank you and drink to your health." Then he laughed loudly and said: "The weather is warm, and it is not out of place to take a glass of wine to arouse one."

"That is true," said Brother Tiger, "my wine cleans the cobwebs from the throat and clarifies the brain."

They drank together many times, but, in spite of all, Brother Tiger was unable to see Daddy Sheep's teeth. He talked softly and modestly, and minced his words in a surprising way, as you have seen a young girl do. But Brother Tiger did not despair; he determined to accomplish his object, and so he again called attention to the wine.

"Wake up, Daddy Sheep!" he exclaimed; "I believe you are asleep. Arouse yourself and help me to finish this bottle."

"Thanks, thanks!" said Daddy Sheep, "but I am not thirsty."

"Tut, tut, neighbor," said Brother Tiger, "that is not the way to talk. Thirst is only for the gnomes and the sprites who seek the dew. As for us, the kings of this country, we must drink to divert ourselves."

Feeling himself flattered and enjoying it, Daddy Sheep extended his glass. It was promptly filled and he emptied it. It was as promptly filled once more, and he emptied it again.

"Here's to your health," said Brother Tiger.

"And to yours, my dear host," said Daddy Sheep, and he again emptied his glass at one gulp.

The more Daddy Sheep drank the gayer he became, and the louder he talked. He lost his customary reserve, but he had not yet condescended to laugh. Brother Tiger, however, continued to press wine on his guest, and it finally came to pass that Daddy Sheep sat back in his chair, and laughed in the foolish way common to those whose brains are befuddled by the fumes of liquor.

Brother Tiger saw the short teeth of his guest, and, without hesitating a moment, he leaped on Daddy Sheep and strangled him. Hearing the loud outcry made by his father, the little Sheep ran as quickly as he could to his mother.

"The wicked Tiger," he exclaimed, as he ran home, "has killed my father, and has no doubt devoured him!"

At these terrible words the Mother Sheep almost fainted with fright, and her grief was pitiful to behold. The little Sheep joined his mother in her wailings, and the mournful noise they made attracted the attention of the Queen of the Birds, who came out of the forest and perched herself on a tree near their house.

"What is the matter, good Sheep?" she asked, "and what is the cause of your grief?"

"Alas, alas! Brother Tiger has devoured my poor husband!"

"Ah, the infamous villain!" exclaimed the Queen of the Birds.

"We will not dare to venture out any more," continued the Mother Sheep. "The vile assassin will hide around here and try to devour us also."

Touched by the tears of the Mother Sheep and her son, the Queen of the Birds tried to console them the best she could, and promised them that they should be revenged, and in a moment she had flown away to the neighboring forests. She gave utterance to her well-known cry—

"Pingle, pingle! Dingle, dingle!"

and in a very short time her faithful subjects could be seen coming from all sides, birds of high and low degree, of bright plumage and dull—the red-breast and the white-cap, the bald eagle and the green parrots. The Queen of the Birds uttered her musical call again—

"Pingle, pingle! Dingle, dingle!"

And then all the smaller birds that had wandered off into the woods flew to her side, and begged to know what her wishes were. Their Queen then related to them the murder of Daddy Sheep by the hypocritical and cruel Brother Tiger. Her story was full of emotion and good feeling, and she concluded by saying:

"This assassin, my faithful friends, must die in his turn. Such a monster should not be permitted to live on earth."

All the birds applauded with their wings at these words of the Queen, and they could not help congratulating their sovereign.

"Go, my friends and subjects," said the Queen, "into the far countries, and say to the birds who have not heard my call, that I am about to give a grand ball, and that I will await them to-morrow. Meanwhile I will go myself and invite Brother Tiger, who cannot refuse to assist at the feast."

"But how will you kill this odious monster?" inquired the great eagle.

"Have confidence, my friend. Am I not the Queen? To-morrow you will be satisfied. While you wait, aid in preparing everything for the feast."

Singing, whistling, and screaming, all the birds began to work. The brambles were removed, the stones thrown away, and the grass alone, green and tender, was left in the space they had chosen for the ball. The next day the Queen of the Birds was arrayed in the most beautiful dress imaginable. Escorted by her pages, she went to the house of Brother Tiger. Flattered by the visit of the Queen of the Birds, he vowed that he would go to the grand ball in the forest.

"I promise you a dance," said the Queen, smiling.

"Beautiful Queen," exclaimed Brother Tiger, "all the honor will be mine."

He could not sleep that night—not that he suffered from remorse for his crime, but because he was carried away by the graciousness of the great Queen of the Birds. The next morning Brother Tiger brushed his clothes, curled his mustache, and went to the spot where the grand ball was to be given. As soon as it was seen that he was coming, the Queen of the Birds exclaimed:

"Take your places for a quadrille, and let all dance with their heads under their wings. Music, play! trumpets, sound! and you, drums, beat! Whereupon, the orchestra began to play one of its most delightful airs for the dance:

"Tumpy, tumpy, tum-tum! Tum-tum, tum-tum! Tumpy, tumpy, tum-tum! Tum-tum ti!"

Then the Queen of the Birds flew and met Brother Tiger, and made him welcome.

"My dear friend, you are late!" she exclaimed. "The festivities have already begun."

"I trust your majesty will excuse me," said Brother Tiger, "my clock stopped during the night."

"That is nothing," said the Queen; "come!"

Oh, what a delicious feast! what fine music! Brother Tiger was dazzled.

"My Queen!" he exclaimed, "I am glad you thought of me. A ball like this at your court is a rare occurrence."

Long rows of birds stood facing each other, and birds of all degrees danced together.

After the quadrille the orchestra struck up a waltz, and the Queen courteously said to her guest:

"This time you shall be my partner!"

Filled with pride the Tiger took his place by the side of the beautiful Queen of the Birds. Then the birds, all with their heads under their wings began to dance. Brother Tiger wanted to join in the first steps of the dance, but all of a sudden the Queen of the Birds called out to him:

"Brother Tiger! really you are not thinking! The etiquette of my court is that the invited guest, in order to take part in the dance, should appear without a head. Look around you. All here would think themselves guilty of the most unpardonable rudeness if they dared to raise their eyes in the presence of their sovereign. The simplest rules of politeness require that you should follow their example. Do as they are doing, if you desire to dance with the Queen of the Birds."

"Your Majesty," exclaimed Brother Tiger, blushing violently, "I had no intention of wounding you, and I humbly beg you to pardon my ignorance. I am merely a poor country person who is used to spending his days and nights in quiet places, and I am unused to the ways and customs of the court. Promise me another dance, I beg you, and I will return immediately."

"I never had any ill-will against you, Brother Tiger," said the Queen of the Birds. "One cannot know everything. Go! I await you!"

Brother Tiger rushed to his home, and in a very short time he arrived.

"Wife, wife!" he exclaimed, "get an axe. In order to have the honor of dancing with the great Queen of the Birds, one must appear before her without a head."

"My poor husband," said Mrs. Tiger, "I really believe you are losing your mind or that you are making fun of me."

"No, no!" said Brother Tiger, "it is the etiquette of the court. All the other guests were dancing without heads. Get the axe, wife! The Queen awaits me."

Mrs. Tiger did not want to obey; but when she saw that her angry husband was disposed to show his sharp claws, she took the sharp axe and cut off his head with one blow. It is needless to say that Brother Tiger expired instantly. The good news was carried to the Queen of the Birds by two green paroquets, and when the announcement was made the birds took their heads from under their wings. All the other animals in the forest were invited to the feast, and Mother Sheep and her son were special guests. They were still in mourning, and therefore did not take part in the dance, but they received special attention and consideration on all sides, and the wonderful orchestra kept up its playing.

Now, big sheep and little children, let me whisper something in your ears: It is better not to open your mouths at all than to be too familiar with people you do not know well.

IX

"JUMP IN MY SACK!"

In a barren and an unproductive country there lived, a long time ago, a father and his twelve children. A terrible famine came on the country, and the unfortunate father said to his sons:

"My children, I have nothing whatever to give you. Go out into the world, knock at each door, ask for work, and perhaps you will find the means of making your living."

At these words the youngest of the twelve brothers, Abdallah, began to cry, and said:

"I am crippled, and it is difficult for me to walk. How can I gain my livelihood?"

"Dry your tears," said the father; "your brothers will take you along with them. They have good hearts, and if fortune smiles on them you may be sure that you will not be forgotten."

Early next morning the twelve brothers started out, after having faithfully promised their father that they would never be separated. But the deceitful brothers did not mean what they said. After several days of travel the eldest said to the others:

"Our little brother Abdallah is a continual burden. He delays our journey day by day, and if he continues to do so we will never get out of this miserable country. Let us forsake him on the way and perhaps some charitable person will find and take pity on him."