She is placed in a cage and carried to
the temple just at sunset. This year it is my daughter's
turn to be offered to the fiend!'' And the old
man buried his face in his hands and groaned.
The soldier lad paused to think for a moment,
then he said:--
``It is terrible, indeed! But do not despair. I
think I know a way to help you. Who is Shippeitaro?''
``Shippeitaro is a beautiful dog, owned by our
lord, the prince,'' answered the old man.
``That is just the thing!'' cried the lad. ``Only
keep your daughter closely at home. Do not let
her out of your sight. Trust me and she shall be
saved.''
Then the soldier lad hurried away, and found
the castle of the prince. He begged that he might
borrow Shippeitaro just for one night.
``You may take him upon the condition that
you bring him back safely,'' said the prince.
``To-morrow he shall return in safety,''
answered the lad.
Taking Shippeitaro with him, he hurried to
the peasant's cottage, and, when evening was
come, he placed the dog in the cage which was to
have carried the maiden. The bearers then took
the cage to the ruined temple, and, placing it on
the ground, ran away as fast as their legs would
carry them.
The lad, laughing softly to himself, hid inside
the temple as before, and so quiet was the spot
that he fell asleep. At midnight he was aroused
by the same wild shrieks he had heard the night
before.
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