Here they
met a great multitude of the devils' retainers who showed fight, but
they pressed still inwards, and at last encountered the chief of the
devils, called Akandoji. Then came the tug of war. Akandoji hit at
Momotaro with an iron club, but Momotaro was ready for him, and dodged
him adroitly. At last they grappled each other, and without difficulty
Momotaro just crushed down Akandoji and tied him with a rope so
tightly that he could not even move. All this was done in a fair
fight.
After this Akandoji the chief of the devils said he would surrender
all his riches. "Out with your riches then," said Momotaro laughing.
Having collected and ranged in order a great pile of precious things,
Momotaro took them, and set out for his home, rejoicing, as he marched
bravely back, that, with the help of his three companions, to whom he
attributed all his success, he had been able so easily to accomplish
his end.
Great was the joy of the old man and the old woman when Momotaro
came back. He feasted everybody bountifully, told many stories of his
adventure, displayed his riches, and at last became a leading man,
a man of influence, very rich and honorable; a man to be very much
congratulated indeed!!
* * * * *
URASCHIMA TARO AND THE TURTLE
Uraschima Taro, which means in Japanese "Son of the Island," was the
only and dearly beloved son of an old fisherman and his wife:
He was a fine, strong youth, who could manage a boat more cleverly
than any one else on the neighboring coast.
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