It is said that a White Man once met a Snake trapped beneath a large stone. The stone pinned her down so tightly that she could not move. Out of pity, the White Man lifted the stone and freed her.
But as soon as she was free, Snake hissed, “Now I shall bite you!”
The White Man cried, “Stop! Let us first go to some wise ones and ask if this is right.”
They went to Hyena. The White Man explained, “I freed Snake from under a heavy stone, and now she wants to bite me. Is this just?”
Hyena, hoping to share in the meal, replied, “If she bites you, what does it matter?”
Snake was about to strike, but the White Man insisted, “Wait! Let us ask others.”
They then met Jackal. The White Man asked him the same question.
Jackal shook his head. “I do not believe that Snake could truly be held down by a stone. Unless I see it with my own eyes, I cannot believe such a thing. Let us return to the place so I may see for myself.”
They all went back. Jackal said to Snake, “Lie down again, and let the stone be placed upon you.”
Snake obeyed, and the White Man rolled the heavy stone over her once more. No matter how much she struggled, she could not rise.
The White Man moved forward to free her again, but Jackal stopped him. “No! Do not lift the stone. She wanted to bite you after you saved her—let her free herself if she can.”
And so, they both walked away, leaving Snake under the stone.