Long, long ago the Eagle and the Cock were very good friends. They lived in a house which was only a few miles from the village. They bought and cooked their own food. There was no more salt in the house. Cock thought, "I was going to the village tomorrow for food but now I will have to go earlier. I ought to go just now before it gets too hot". Cock then went to the village which was only a few miles from his house. He bought some of the salt which comes from the bottom of the lake. He thought about the things he would need for the rest of the week. "I'm not cooking for eagle tonight but I am cooking my meat. Mr Hyena is coming for dinner tomorrow. I'm going to Mrs. Lion for dinner the next evening. Then I'm leaving for a long safari in three days time. " Cock bought the food which he needed for the rest of the week and started to walk back home.

He soon became very tired and decided to rest under a tree which was near the road. He stood and rested one leg behind his body. While he was enjoying the cool shade his friend Eagle appeared. "Well, well! Eagle said, "What is this all about? Have you lost a leg? You've got a lot of food on your head and you're carrying a large load of salt too! Where did you get it? How much did it cost?" And he asked many more questions.

"How did you get the salt then?"

"I gave the shopkeeper my leg to pay for the salt", said Cock. Eagle said," I need some salt. Did you buy it at the lake?"

"Yes but if you don't hurry it will all be sold", said Cock. The Eagle went quickly to town. He went to the shop that sells salt and said," I haven't any money. Can I pay for the salt with my leg?". The shopkeeper looked surprised and said," all right you can pay for it with your leg if you want to. I like to eat meat for supper". So he cut off the Eagle's leg.

Eagle took the salt and lifted the load onto his head. He took a step forward and fell flat on his face! He practised and practised. In the end he learned how to hop and he hopped all the way home.
Cock had already arrived there and was walking around the compound on two legs. Eagle was surprised to see this and he asked," How did you get your leg back?"

"I never gave it away!", Cock said. "But you gave your leg away for the salt", said Eagle.

"Don't be foolish. You asked me a silly question so I gave you a silly answer. When you came along the road I was resting my leg behind me. You're a silly Eagle!" He then began to laugh and laugh. Eagle tried to beat him. Since then Eagles have tried to kill chickens.

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