The Baboon and the Poisoned Spring

During a drought, the only water for miles was a small spring guarded by a large and selfish troop of Baboons who claimed it as their own. The clever Hare went to the chief of the Baboons. "Great Chief," the Hare said with a worried look, "I have had a vision from Nkai. This water has been cursed by a jealous spirit. It is now poison!" The Baboons were terrified. "How can we drink?" they chattered. "There is an antidote," the Hare explained, "but it is a rare white flower that grows only on the highest mountain peak. I am the only one who knows how to find it. I will go and get it for all of us." The Baboons hailed him as a hero and waited anxiously. Of course, there was no such flower. The Hare simply went away and took a long nap. While the Baboons were waiting for his return, all the other animals, whom the Hare had secretly told the truth, came and drank their fill from the spring. The Hare had used the Baboons' superstition to ensure the water was shared by everyone.