The old woman, although her behavior was so kind, was a wicked witch, who lay in wait for children, and had built the little house on purpose to entice them.
There came a very bad year, and the famine was so great that these poor people resolved to rid themselves of their children.
Father Badger persisted that it was more blessed to give than to keep for one's self and that food belonged to all.
Spider's cousin, while hunting one morning, had discovered a wonderful stone that ground flour of its own accord. Not being a greedy man, he took away with him only enough for his family's needs.
It was winter and the house was cold and dark. There was no wood, no light, no food; and they were starving.
Anansi's first thought was to run home and give all his family a good meal from his wonderful pot. A selfish, greedy fear prevented him. ‘What if I should use up all the magic of the pot on them, and have nothing more left for myself!’ So, his mind full of this thought, he hid the pot.
Meat had become so scarce that only the rich chiefs had money enough to buy it. The poor people were starving. Anansi and his family were in a miserable state.
Leopard and Wolf promised the ants that on their return they would spread a feast for them. Unfortunately, Spider heard the invitation and made up his mind to benefit by it.