"Bala, we must start home," Abeedou said. "It is a long way and we must not be on the road in the dark." Fear leapt in their hearts. Packs of hyenas hunt at night, and two boys would be easy prey.

"Let's run. We'll be home before dark," Bala said, hoping he was right.

So they ran and ran. But soon they were out of breath. They slowed to a walk. It grew darker and darker, and soon they could not see the road in front of them. As they looked around it seemed as if a pair of glowing eyes was behind every bush.

"Bala, I too am frightened. The only thing I know to do is to pray to Baabaa Ala. He made the hyenas, and He can keep them from harming us."

"OK, you pray, but keep walking" said Bala.

They heard the distant call of the hyenas. A pack was hunting. Abeedou prayed, "Baabaa Ala, keep us safe, the way your Son, Isa, made the boat safe in the storm. Take care of us tonight."

They kept walking in the dark, straining to see where they were stepping. They held hands to keep from getting separated, and because it made each boy a little less scared. After what seemed like hours, they heard a man shout in the distance.

"Coo-ye!"

Another call answered. Now the boys knew they were getting close to home, and the whole village was out looking for them. Abeedou began to call out so the men could find them. In a few minutes they saw the flickering light of a lantern. They called out and ran toward the light, and ran right into the arms of Abeedou's father, Madi.

"Father, Father, I was praying that Baabaa Ala would protect us," said Abeedou.

"He did protect you, but you boys were very wrong to go off without telling anyone where you were. The whole village is searching for you," replied Madi.

"We were going to tell Grandmother, but we forgot," said Bala.

Bala had been glad for Abeedou's prayers, but now that they were safe with Madi, he decided that it must have been the spirits that protected them. He had been faithful to make sacrifices of rice balls. Yes, that was what he would tell his father.

As they arrived back in the village most of the ladies were gathered at the head of the trail. They all joyfully greeted the boys. But when Bala and Abeedou arrived home, their mothers scolded them and sent them right to bed. Both of them were asleep as soon as they laid down.

  The next morning when they got up ...

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