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Adapted by Kate Stonham

Anansi’s trick to get food from Snake and Lion had worked so well he couldn't wait to play the trick again. And play it again he did - on Monkey. Then on Elephant. On Hippo. Even on Turtle. Before long Anansi had played his trick on every single creature - except one.

Little Deer was small and could move quickly through the forest without being seen. And Little Deer had been watching each time Anansi had tricked the other animals for their food.

‘It makes me feel sad to see the animals going hungry,’ she thought. ‘It's time to do something about it. I'm going to play Anansi at his own game!’

First Little Deer went to the moss-covered rock. She walked around the rock… Hmmm, unusual-coloured moss…knobbly bits…it did indeed look rather strange.

Next Little Deer lowered her head to feel the moss with her nose. ‘Ouch!’ This moss wasn’t soft like ordinary moss…this moss felt sharp and prickly. It felt very strange indeed. In fact, it felt so strange, it gave Little Deer an idea…

Next Little Deer went to a secret place in the forest where water-melons grew. She knew Anansi loved these sweet, juicy fruits, above all others. So she collected as many as she could, returned home and settled down to wait…

All this time, Anansi was just a short distance away, at his own home in the forest. ‘He! He! So far I have tricked Snake, Lion, Monkey, Elephant, Hippo and Turtle!’ he said. ‘That leaves just one creature - Little Deer. I shall have to be careful though. Little Deer is clever - nearly as clever as I am!’

Anansi made his way through the forest to where Little Deer lived.

‘Ah, good afternoon, Anansi,’ said Little Deer. ‘I've been expecting you…’

‘Uh-oh, this isn't a good start,’ thought Anansi to himself. ‘If Little Deer has been expecting me, she must know what I've been up to.’

But when Anansi saw the water-melons, he forgot about all else. Oh - how his mouth watered as he thought about taking big, juicy bites of melon!

‘Little Deer, it is rather hot in the forest today, isn't it?’ Anansi said. ‘But I've found a lovely soft, cool place - much softer and cooler than here. Would you like me to show you?’

‘I would indeed, Anansi,’ replied Little Deer. ‘Do please lead the way.’

Anansi took Little Deer through the forest to the moss-covered rock. ‘Oh look!’ he said. ‘What's this?’

Little Deer took a good look. ‘I don’t know,’ she replied.

‘Yes you do!’ said Anansi.

‘No, I don’t!’ replied Little Deer.

Anansi folded two of his legs. ‘Oh yes you do! Isn't this a strange, moss-covered - ’

Just in time Anansi stopped himself from saying the last word!

‘I know you're trying to trick me, Little Deer’ he said. ‘But I'm not going to say the words you want me to say.’

‘And what words are they?’ asked Little Deer.

‘Isn’t this a strange, moss-covered – ’

Anansi nearly said the words again right there and then! He would have to be very careful indeed. ‘I won't say the words, no matter how hard you make me try!’ he said.

Little Deer moved closer. ‘You're quite right. I do know about the magic words,’ she said. ‘Indeed, I have tried to trick you into saying them, but Anansi you're just too clever to do that.’

Anansi gave a little smile. ‘Yes, I am rather clever aren't I?’

Little Deer nodded her head, and then she pointed to the moss-covered rock.

‘I'm so tired! And that moss looks so lovely and soft. Won't you sit down with me?’

It had been a long day and Anansi felt rather tired too. ‘That’s a good idea, Little Deer,’ he said, as he lowered himself onto the rock…

‘Y���-�Ƿ�!’

Anansi was back on his feet in a moment. ‘How very odd! That moss is prickly like brambles!’ he cried out. ‘Isn't this a strange, moss-covered rock!’

Crash! Bang! As soon as the words came from Anansi’s mouth he flopped down fast asleep…and he slept…and slept…and slept!

And when Anansi finally woke up - one whole night and a day later - all the animals were gathered round, laughing…

But did Anansi frown and scowl, like any other animal would? Not at all! Anansi joined in! The joke was on him for now…but Anansi knew that soon he'd be back to his tricks!