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The Gentlemen of the Jungle
2
considered it necessary, in my friend's own interests, to turn
the undeveloped space to a more economic use by sitting in it
myself; a duty which any of you would undoubtedly have
performed with equal readiness in similar circumstances.'
After hearing the Rt Hon. Mr Elephant's conclusive evidence, the Commission called Mr Hyena and other elders of
the jungle, who all supported what Mr Elephant had said.
They then called the man, who began to give his own account
of the dispute. But the Commission cut him short, saying: 'My
good man, please confine yourself to relevant issues. We have
already heard the circumstances from various unbiased
sources; all we wish you to tell us is whether the undeveloped
space in your hut was occupied by any one else before Mr Elephant assumed his
position?' The man began to say: 'No, but-' But at this
point the Commission declared that they had heard sufficient
evidence from both sides and retired to consider their decision. After enjoying a delicious meal at the
expense of the Rt Hon. Mr Elephant, they reached their
verdict, called the man, and declared as follows: 'In our
opinion this dispute has arisen through a regrettable misunderstanding due to the backwardness of your ideas. We
consider that Mr Elephant has fulfilled his sacred duty of
protecting your interests. As it is clearly for your good that the
space should be put to its most economic use, and as you
yourself have not reached the stage of expansion which would
enable you to fill it, we consider it necessary to arrange a
compromise to suit both parties. Mr Elephant shall continue
his occupation of your hut, but we give you permission to look
for a site where you can build another hut more suited to your
needs, and we will see that you are well protected.'
The man, having no alternative, and fearing that his refusal
might expose him to the teeth and claws of members of the
Commission, did as they suggested. But no sooner had he
built another hut than Mr Rhinoceros charged in with his horn
lowered and ordered the man to quit. A Royal Commission
was again appointed to look into the matter, and the same
finding was given. This procedure was repeated until Mr
Buffalo, Mr Leopard, Mr Hyena and the rest were all
accommodated with new huts. Then the man decided that he
must adopt an effective method of protection, since Commissions of Enquiry did not seem to be of any use to him. He sat
down and said, 'Ng'enda thi ndagaga motegi,' which literally
means 'there is nothing that treads on the earth that cannot be
trapped,' or in other words, you can fool people for a time, but
not for ever.
Early one morning, when the huts already occupied by the
jungle lords were all beginning to decay and fall to pieces, he
went out and built a bigger and better hut a little distance
away. No sooner had Mr Rhinoceros seen it than he came
rushing in, only to find that Mr Elephant was already inside,
sound asleep. Mr Leopard next came to the window, Mr Lion,
Mr Fox and Mr Buffalo entered the doors, while Mr Hyena
howled for a place in the shade and Mr Alligator basked on the
roof. Presently they all began disputing about their rights of
penetration, and from disputing they came to fighting, and
while they were all embroiled together the man set the hut on
fire and burnt it to the ground, jungle lords and all. Then he
went home, saying: 'Peace is costly, but it's worth the ex-
pense,' and lived happily ever after.
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