Viper, Monkey, Squirrel, and Hornbill

Viper, Monkey, Squirrel, and Hornbill lived together in a tree: Hornbill on top, Squirrel below, then Monkey, and Viper down on the ground.

"We must stay quiet all day," said Viper. "Otherwise, death will find us."

Hornbill, however, discovered some fruit at the top of the tree and squawked in delight.

A passing hunter fired an arrow, hitting Hornbill.

Hornbill topped down on Squirrel, who screamed, and the hunter shot Squirrel.

They fell onto Monkey; seeing Monkey, the hunter shot again. 

Bending to pick up Hornbill, Squirrel and Monkey, he saw Viper and killed him too.

All because Hornbill squawked!

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Inspired by: "The Evil of Too Much Talk" in Bulu Folk-Tales (in Journal of American Folklore) by George Schwab, 1914. The Bulu are a people who live in Cameroon.
Notes: You can read the original story online.

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