Anansi told Tacoomah, "We need meat!"
"I've got a plan," said Tacoomah. "Pretend I'm sick and call for help. When the animals come in the house, I'll chop them up and put them in this barrel."
Anansi liked Tacoomah's plan.
"Help!" Anansi shouted. "Tacoomah's sick! Help!"
Animals came, and Tacoomah chopped, but the barrel wasn't full yet.
Up on the hillside, Goat saw animals going in, but none coming out.
"Is Tacoomah sick?" Goat asked.
"Real sick!" said Anansi. "Please come in! Come help us!"
But Goat ran higher up the hill, and Goat stays on the hillside even now.
Inspired by: Jamaica Anansi Stories by Martha Warren Beckwith
Notes: This is story 18 in the book. Beckwith heard this story from Julia Gentle; additional information in Beckwith's notes.
That is very unkind, tricking them all into being led to their deaths like that. At least Goat escaped.
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