The Singing Scoutmaster: Anansi and the Turtle at Dinner

One day, Anansi was preparing a delicious meal when Turtle knocked on his door. "Hello, Anansi," Turtle said politely. "I've traveled a long way and am very hungry. May I share your dinner?"

Anansi, not wanting to share his food, thought of a trick. "Of course, Turtle, but you must wash your hands first. Go down to the river and wash up, then you can join me."

Turtle nodded and slowly made his way down to the river. By the time he returned, Anansi had already gobbled up most of the food. Turtle looked at the nearly empty plate but said nothing. He simply sat down and reached for what little food was left.

"Wait!" Anansi shouted. "Your hands are still dirty from walking back. Go wash them again!"

Turtle, realizing what Anansi was doing, sighed and returned to the river. This time, when he came back, there was no food left at all. "Thank you for inviting me, Anansi," Turtle said calmly and left, though he was still very hungry.

A few days later, Turtle invited Anansi to his home under the river for dinner. Anansi, curious and eager to eat, accepted the invitation. When he arrived at the riverbank, Turtle called up, "Come on down, Anansi. The food is ready!"

Anansi jumped into the water, but being so light, he floated right back up. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn't sink down to reach Turtle's home. Finally, Anansi filled his pockets with stones to weigh himself down. But when he got to the bottom, the stones pulled him right onto the dining mat.

"Anansi, it's rude to bring dirt and stones to the table," Turtle said with a sly smile. "You must leave them outside."

Embarrassed, Anansi took the stones out of his pockets and floated back up to the surface. By the time he finally managed to get down again, Turtle had finished eating. "I hope you enjoyed the dinner," Turtle said politely. Anansi could only watch in frustration as Turtle swam away, leaving him with an empty belly and a lesson learned.