In the midst of a forest a Vaedda stayed. When the Vaedda's wife went
to bring water, taking the large water-pot, the Vaedda, taking his bow
and having gone in front of the woman, as she is coming shoots [his
arrows] to go by the woman's ear. Every day he shoots in that manner.
One day when the woman went to bring water she met with the woman's
elder brother; he asked, "What is it, younger sister, that you are
so thin for?"
Then the woman said, "Ane, elder brother, when I have taken water and
am going home, the Vaedda shoots [his arrows] to go by my ear. Through
that trouble I am becoming thin."
After that, the Vaedda [her brother] says, "Younger sister, for that
I will tell you a clever trick. To-day also when he has shot as you
are going, say, 'There will be better shooters than that.'"
That day when he was shooting the woman said this word. Then the
Vaedda asked, "What, Adiye! didst thou say?"
Afterwards the woman says, "There will be better shooters than that
in this country."
Then the Vaedda says, "Where, Adin! are they? I must seek them and
look at them. Tie up a bundle of cooked rice and bring it." So having
cooked a bundle of cooked rice she gave it.
Taking it, the Vaedda began to go through the forest jungle
(himalaye). At the time when he was going he saw that a man is staying
looking upwards. The Vaedda having gone near asked, "What are you
staying looking upward for?"
"It is now eight days since I shot at a bird. I am waiting until it
falls." When a little time had gone, the bird's flesh, having become
decomposed, fell down.