Anansi and the Sky-Blue Story Box (part 3)

“Now to catch a rainbow python,” he said to himself.

“Simple,” said his wife without looking up. “All you need is a log and a length of rope.”

“Yes, yes, I understand,” said Anansi, hurrying off to get the items.
Not long afterward, Rainbow Python saw a strange sight as she slithered along. There was Anansi, strolling through the forest with a log on his shoulder, apparently holding a conversation with it. As he approached, Rainbow Python heard what Anansi was saying.

“No, she is,” Anansi insisted. He paused as if he was hearing a voice only he could hear from the piece of wood. “She is too,” Anansi said again.

Rainbow Python could not contain herself any longer. “Anansi,” she said, “why are you talking to that log?”

“Oh there you are, Rainbow Python,” said Anansi happily. “Just in time. You can help me settle a bet. My friend Wood here says that he is longer than you. I’ve told him that he’s wrong, but he doesn’t believe me.”

Rainbow Python puffed up a bit. She was very long and proud of her great length. “Of course I’m longer,” she said affronted. She had momentarily forgotten how silly she thought it was to be having a conversation with some wood.

“That is just what I said,” exclaimed Anansi, placing the log on the ground. “Here, come and lie next to the tree and we will prove the matter.”

So Rainbow Python slithered next to the log. Not only was she longer than the wood, she was able to wrap herself completely around it three times. She flicked her tongue in satisfaction. “See?” she said in triumph.

“I knew you were longer,” Anansi agreed. Then, quick as a flash he pulled out the rope and tied Rainbow Python to the log. Ignoring Rainbow Python’s hissing and cursing, he picked up the awkward load and set them both on his shoulder. He carried them back to his home and set Rainbow Python next to the gourd with the hornets and the pouch with Leopard’s spots. Then he sat down to think.

“However shall I catch a creature from the forest that no one can see?” he murmured softly. When no answer came, he repeated himself again, slightly louder.

“Easy,” said his wife. “All you need is a doll, and bowl of honey and cream.”

“Yes, yes, of course,” Anansi said. After a moment he asked, rather awkwardly, “What will I do with them?”

“Set the bowl on the doll’s lap,” his wife said, “and cover the doll with sticky molasses…”

“Yes, exactly,” said Anansi. “I understand.” So he set to work building a doll.

He sat the doll on a stump just inside the edge of the forest. He covered the doll with thick, black, sticky molasses. Then he carefully placed the bowl of cream and honey just in front of the doll on a stump. Tying a string to the doll’s head, he climbed up a tree and waited.