Children's Classics in Dramatic Form Part 12

[_The_ JACKAL _stands on the river bank. He looks longingly toward the west sh.o.r.e._]

JACKAL. Ah, if I could only get at those crabs over there! It makes me hungry just to see them! Now if I could only swim! Or if I could walk on water! Or if I had a little canoe!

[_Enter the_ CAMEL. _The Jackal whispers to himself._]

Aha! Now I know the way to get across.

(_To the Camel._)

 

Such news as I have for you, dear friend!

CAMEL. Must I guess?

JACKAL. No, I'll tell you this time. Listen: I know a spot where the sugar-cane grows thick.

CAMEL. Tell me! I cannot wait! Tell me!

JACKAL. I cannot. I'll have to show you. It is on the other side of the river.

CAMEL. Why, then, I'll swim across and take you on my back.

JACKAL. Just the very thing!

CAMEL. Come, then! It makes me hungry just to hear of sugar-cane.

[_He kneels for the Jackal to get upon his back._]

SCENE II

TIME: _a little later._ PLACE: _the sugar-cane field._

THE JACKAL.

THE CAMEL.

FARMER.

BOYS.

[_The_ CAMEL _eats the sugar-cane. The_ JACKAL _comes running into the field._]

CAMEL. What! Have you finished your crabs?

JACKAL. I cannot eat another one! Are you not ready to go?

CAMEL. Ready! Why, I have just begun.

JACKAL. I'll wait for you outside the field, then.

[_The Camel nods and disappears among the cane._]

Now I do not wish to wait for him. I am in a hurry to get home, I am. So I'll sing a little song I know. The farmer then will come and drive the camel out.

[_He goes. Soon he is heard singing in the distance. Enter the_ FARMER _and_ the BOYS _with clubs._]

FARMER. I see no jackal here!

A BOY. I am sure I heard him singing!

ANOTHER BOY. I heard him, too!

FARMER. We must look for him and drive him out.

[_The_ CAMEL _enters, eating cane._]

FIRST BOY. Look, look! A camel!

SECOND BOY. Look, father! A camel!

FARMER (_to Camel_). So it was you who was singing, was it? Drive him out, boys! Quick! Beat him with your clubs!

[_They rush upon the Camel and beat him as he runs from the field._]

SCENE III

TIME: _a little later._ PLACE: _the west bank of the river._

THE JACKAL.

THE CAMEL.

[_The_ CAMEL _lies on the bank half dead from his beating. Enter the_ JACKAL.]

JACKAL. Are you ready to go now, friend?

CAMEL. Don't say "friend" to me!

JACKAL. Why do you speak so strangely?

CAMEL. Why did you sing so strangely?