Long ago there was an old woman who was a very good farmer.

Her daughter got married to a man who lived on the other side of the river.

The old woman put some cassava, beans and yams in a small basket. She was taking it to her daughter and son-in-law.

After she had crossed the river, a strange voice shouted, “Put down your basket!”

The old woman asked, “Who are you?”

The voice answered, “I am the king of the forest. I give people fever and stomach-ache. I make them shiver and shake.”

Frightened, the old woman threw down the basket and ran.

When she reached her son-in-law, she told him about the frightening voice.

Her son-in-law said, “Next time you come to visit us, take your big basket, and put your dog inside.”

A week later, the old woman took her big basket to visit her daughter and son-in-law.

After she had crossed the river, the same voice said, “Put down your basket! I am the king of the forest. I give people fever and stomach-ache. I make them shiver and shake!”

She put down the basket, hurried on and watched from a distance to see what would happen.

Out came the creature from under the bridge. It was only a small hare!

Eagerly, the hare took off the lid of the basket.

Out jumped a very angry dog!

That was the end of the hare.