For who would hurt the
white-breasted creature, that every one called the Honourable Lord
Crane? The graceful birds seemed to love to be near man, when he
worked in the wet or paddy fields, where under four inches of water
the seeds were planted and the rice plants grew. So graceful in all
its movements is the crane that many a dainty little maid who acts
politely hears herself spoken of as the "bird that rises from the
water without muddying the stream."

Musai hurried to the grassy bank at the edge of the paddy field as
fast as he could wade through the liquid mud, to see what was the
matter with the crane. Throwing down his hoe, and looking in the
grass, he saw that an arrow was sticking in the crane's back, and that
red drops of blood dappled its white plumage. Instead of seeming
frightened when the man came near, the bird bent down its neck, as if
to submit to whatever the farmer's boy should do.

Gently Musai plucked out the arrow and helped the bird to rise,
pushing back the undergrowth so that its broad white pinions could
have free play. After a few feeble attempts to fly it spread its
wings, rose up from the earth, and after circling several times round
its benefactor as though to thank him, it flew off to the mountain.

Musai went back to his work, hoping that in season his labor would
yield a good crop. He had his widowed mother to support and must needs
toil every day. His one delight was to come home, weary after the long
hours of labour in the muddy rice field, and have a hot bath. This his
mother always had ready for him. Then, clean and with a fresh kimono,
and a little rest before supper-time, he was ready for a quiet evening
with the neighbours.

So in routine the days passed by until autumn was near at hand. One
day, returning before the sun was fully set, he found seated beside
his mother a lovely girl. In spite of his contemptible appearance
after a day's toil, working barelegged in the mire, she welcomed him
with the grace of a princess.

Not thinking of returning the salute in his unwashed condition, he
took off his head-kerchief, drew in his breath, and bowing to his
mother asked.

"Who is the honourable That Side, and how comes she into this
miserable hut?"

"My son," replied his mother, "though you are a man, you have as yet
no wife. Your virtues of obedience, filial reverence, fidelity, and
politeness have made you well known. Hence this fair damsel is not
unwilling to become your w