The Talkative Tortoise
A tortoise named Kambugriva lived in a lake with his two best friends, a pair of geese.
One summer there was no rain, and the lake began to dry up. “We must fly to a new lake,” said the geese. “But how will you come with us?”
The tortoise had an idea. “Hold a stick in your beaks. I will hold the middle with my mouth, and you can carry me!”
“Good plan,” said the geese, “but you must not open your mouth, not even once.” The tortoise promised.
Up, up they flew, over fields and villages. The people below pointed and laughed. “Look! Two birds are carrying a tortoise on a stick!”
The tortoise wanted to say, “Mind your own business!” He opened his mouth to speak —
— and he let go of the stick. Down he fell, all the way to the ground. Luckily he landed in a soft haystack, but his friends had to fly on without him.
