lesson 8
Long,long ago,on the east cast of Arica, there grew a large tree. The tree
spread half of its branches over the land and half of them over thesea.
Little Monkey loved playing in this tree. His mother often warned him about
the sharks that lived in the ocean but Monkey wasn't scared. Heswung from one
branch to the next all day long, eating the tree's delicious fruit.
One day, as he was sitting high up in the tree, Monkey saw a huge shark. Little
Monkey became so afraid that he dropped his half-eaten fruit into the ocean. The
shark gobbled it up. Thank you, friend, the sly shark said. I am so tired of eating
fish every day!
He's really friendly, Monkey thought to himself and threw another piece of fruit
into the ocean. Each morning Shark cameto swim inthe shade under the big tree.
Monkey loved throwing fruit for him to eat, and the two became friend.
One morning, as Monkey was swinging through the branches, Shark said, You
have been so kind to me. In return for your kidness, I will show you my home.
No, thank you, replied the wary monkey, remembering his mother's warnings.
I cannot swim well. Besides, I do not like my fur to get wet. Shark promised
to let Monkey ride on his back so he wouldn't get wet. Being a curious creature
, Monkey finally accepted Shaaek's invitation. Soon he was gliding through
the sea on the back of the shark.
About halfway to his home, Shark broke some bad news to Monkey. There is
something I need to tell you. The chief of our tribe, the biggest and fiercest
shark in the ocean, is very ill. The only way to save Chief Shark's life is to
give him a monkey's heart to eat. Since you have been so kind to me. you most
havea very good heart, one that is worthy of this sacrifice.
My dear friend, Monkey relied, trying to hide his fear, you should have told
me that before we left the tree. You don't know too much about monkeys, do you
? We leave our haerts hanging in the trees where we sleep. How can your chief
have my heart if I don't have it with me.
Shark was very surprised at what Monkey told him. He knew that the other
sharks would be furious if what the monkey told him was true. Let's go get your
heart. You will come back with your heart, won't you? Shark asked.
Of course, replied the tricky monkey. Come, let's hurry. We do not want to
keep Chief Shark waiting. Shark swam back to the tree as fast as he could. When
they reached the tree, Monkey quickly disappeared into the branches.
After waiting a while, the eager shark called out, Doyou have your heart yet
? Just then a piece of rotten fruit landed right on his nose.
What sort of fool do you think I am? scraemed Monkey. Who would ever come back
to be killed? Besides, foolish fish, my heart is here in the center of my body,
where it has always been!
Pleased with himself and very relieved, Monkey rushed to tell his family and
friends how he had tricked the sly shark.
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