But what seems to give the Dyaks most pleasure are tales about animals, especially those in which the cunning of the mouse-deer (_akal plandok_) is displayed. The following are well known among them, and I have myself often heard these related, with variations, by the Dyaks themselves. Very often, in travelling by boat in Borneo, one has to wait for the turn of the tide, and the Dyak boatmen on these occasions often relate some of their old stories to each other to while away the time. THE STORY OF THE MOUSE-DEER AND OTHER ANIMALS WHO WENT OUT FISHING. Once upon a time the Mouse-Deer, accompanied by many other animals, went on a fishing expedition. All day long they fished, and in the evening returned to the little hut that they had put up by the river-side, salted the fish that they had caught, and stored it up in their jars. They noticed that somehow or other their fish disappeared day by day, and the animals held a council to decide what it was best to do. After some discussion the Deer said he would stay behind while the others went out to fish, so that he might catch the thief. “I shall be able to master him, whoever he is,” said the Deer. “If he refuses to do what I wish, I shall soon punish him with my sharp horns.” So the others went out fishing, leaving the Deer at home. Soon he heard the tramp of someone coming to the foot of the steps leading up into the hut, calling out: “Is anyone at home?” “I am here,” said the Deer. Looking out, he saw a great Giant, and his heart failed him. He wished he had asked one of his companions to stay at home with him. “I smell some fish,” said the Giant. “I want some, and I must have it. I am hungry. Let me have what I want.” “It does not belong to me,” said the Deer in great fear. “It belongs to the Pig, the Bear, the Tiger, and the Mouse-Deer. They would punish me severely if I gave any of it to you.” “Don’t talk to me in that way. If you do not let me have what I want, I will eat you up,” said the Giant. The Deer was too much awed by his visitor to attack the Giant, so he let him eat the fish and take some away with him. When his companions returned, the Deer gave them his account of the Giant’s visit. They blamed him for his cowardice, and the Wild Boar said he would keep watch the next day. “If the Giant comes,” said he, “I will gore him with my tusks and trample him underfoot.” But he fared no better than the Deer, for when he saw the Giant, who threatened to kill him if he refused to give him some fish, he was afraid, and let him take as much as he wanted. Great was the disgust of the others to find on their return that their fish had again been stolen. “Let me watch,” said the Bear. “No Giant shall frighten me. I will hug him in my arms and scratch him with my sharp claws.” So Bruin was left in charge the next day, while the others went out to fish. Soon he heard the Giant, who came to the foot of the steps and shouted: “Hullo! who’s there?”