SANG KANCIL AND THE

CROCODILE
Long, long ago, deep in the forest in the Malay
Peninsula, there lived a tiny mouse-deer named Sang
Kancil. Despite his size, he was spunky and clever,
and all the other animals respected him.
Sang Kancil loved to eat tropical fruits ~ Rambutan, Durian, Mangosteen, and his favorite
one of all was the Jambu Air.
On one hot afternoon, Sang Kancil was foraging for fruits in the forest when he felt
thirsty, and so he went down to the river to drink. When he reached there, he saw a tree on
the opposite side, full of ripe and juicy water apples.
Yay, jambu air! Sang Kancil squealed with delight. But how do I get across? The river
is wide and deep, and I cant swim. I will surely drown! he pondered aloud.
A crocodile who was taking a nap nearby, awoke when he heard Sang Kancils voice.
Sang Kancil! Why are you making so much noise?! I am trying to get some sleep! said
the crocodile.
In his excitement at seeing the fruit tree, Sang Kancil did not notice the sleeping
crocodile. He started at first but quickly recovered, and decided to trick the crocodile.
Ah, there you are Sang Buaya! I have called you many times. You must be deaf! Sang
Kancil bravely replied.
Well, I am here now! What do you want from me?! The crocodile was obviously
annoyed with the little mouse-deer.
Oh, but I dont want anything from you, Sang Buaya. I am here on the Sultans orders.
His Majesty has ordered me to count the number of crocodiles in this river. There will be
a big reward for each of you if you help me. Sang Kancil said earnestly to the crocodile.
A reward, you say?! The crocodile was now fully awake.
Without further ado, he began to slap his tail on the water to wake the other crocodiles
who were sleeping in the river.
Splish! Splash! Splosh! They all lined up side by side like a bridge, across the river.
Sang Kancil could hardly hide his excitement at seeing this. This is easier than I
thought! he chuckled to himself.
Sang Kancil then hopped, skipped and jumped on the back of each crocodile, counting
aloud as he merrily went along:

One, Two, Three, Four, Five, Six, Seven, Eight

Lay still, Sang Buaya, line up straight!
Nine, Ten, Eleven, Twelve, Water Apples I must have.
Sang Kancil was overjoyed when he finally reached the opposite bank.
Thank you for helping me cross the river, Sang Buaya! Now I can eat all the Water
Apples I want and waved happily to the angry crocodiles.
The End.