Page 55 - English Expedition Class 4

Shindo set one fine gourd by the fire. She wanted to use this one for herself and
hoped it would dry faster there.
The next morning, Shindo went off again to tend her field. Meanwhile, back in the
hut, the gourds began to change. They sprouted heads, then arms, then legs.

Soon, they were not gourds at all. They were children!
One boy lay by the fire, where Shindo had put the fine gourd. The other children
called to him from the rafters.
Ki-te-te, come help us!

We’ll work for our mother.
Come help us, Ki-te-te,
Our favourite brother!
Kitete helped his brothers and sisters down from the rafters. Then the children ran

through the hut and yard, singing and playing.
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All joined in but Kitete. Drying by the fire had made the boy slow-witted . So he
just sat there, smiling widely.
After a while, the other children started on the chores. They quickly cleaned the

hut and yard, fed the chickens, washed the clothes, carried water, cut firewood and
cooked a meal for Shindo to eat when she returned.
When the work was done, Kitete helped the others climb back on the rafters. Then
they all turned into gourds again.

That afternoon, as Shindo returned home, the other women of the village called
to her.
‘Who were those children in your yard today?’ they asked. ‘Where did they come
from? Why were they doing your chores?’

‘What children? Are you making fun of me?’ said Shindo, angrily.
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But when she reached her hut, she was astounded . The work was done, and even
her meal was ready! She could not imagine who had helped her.
The same thing happened the next day. As soon as Shindo had gone off, the gourds

turned into children, and the ones on the rafters called out,
Ki-te-te, come help us!
We’ll work for our mother.
Come help us, Ki-te-te,

Our favourite brother!
Then they played for a while, did all the chores, climbed back to the rafters, and
turned again into gourds.
Once more, Shindo was amazed to see the work all done. But this time, she decided

to find out who her helpers were.

8 slow-witted: slow in learning or thinking 9 astounded: greatly surprised
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