He was a
good swimmer, and managed for a long time to make progress toward the
land; but as he was so far from shore in the rough sea, his strength
at last gave out and he felt himself sinking. Just as he had given up
hope, and thought that he would never see his dear parents again, he
heard his name called and saw a large turtle swimming toward him.
"Climb on my back," shouted the turtle, "and I will carry you to
land." When Uraschima Taro was safely sitting on the turtle's back it
continued: "I am the turtle whose life you saved when you found me,
little and helpless, in your net, and I am glad of this opportunity to
show that I am not ungrateful."
Before they reached the shore, the turtle asked Uraschima Taro how he
would like to be shown some of the wonderful beauties hidden under the
sea. The young fisherman replied that the experience would please him.
In a moment they were shooting down through the green water. He clung
to the turtle's back, who carried him many, many fathoms below.
After three nights they reached the bottom of the sea, and came to a
wonderful palace of gold and crystal. Coral and pearls and precious
stones dazzled his eyes; but inside, the palace was more beautiful
still, and blazing fish scales lighted it.
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