oyed at this discovery, he quickly filled the gourd which was
hanging at his girdle, and made the best of his way home, rejoicing
that now at last he had something good to bring back to his poor old
father. The old man was so delighted with the sake that he drank cup
after cup. A neighbour happened to drop in, the story was told to him,
and a cup of sake offered and drunk with many words of astonishment
and gratitude.

Soon the news spread through the village, and before night there was
hardly a man in the place who had not paid his visit of curiosity,
been told the tale of the magic fountain, and smelt the gourd, which,
alas! was now empty.

Next morning the young wood-cutter set off to work earlier even than
usual, not forgetting to carry with him a large gourd, for of course
the enchanted waterfall was to be visited again.

What was the surprise of the young man when he came to the spot, to
find several of his neighbours already there, and all armed with
buckets, jars, pitchers, anything that would carry a good supply of
the coveted sake. Each man had come secretly, believing that he alone
had found his way to the magic waterfall.

The young wood-cutter was amused to see the looks of disappointment
and anger upon the faces of those who already stood near the water, as
they saw fresh arrivals every moment. Each one looked abashed and
uncomfortable in the presence of his neighbours; but, at last, one
bolder than the others broke the grim silence with a laugh, which soon
the others were fain to join in.

"Here we are," said he, "all bent on the same errand. Let us fill our
jars and gourds and go home. But first--just one taste of the magic
sake." He stooped down and, filling his gourd, put it to his lips.
Once and yet again did he drink, with a face of astonishment which
soon gave place to anger.

"Water!" he shouted in a rage; "nothing but cold water! We have been
tricked and deceived by a parcel of made-up stories--where is that
young fellow? Let us duck him in his fine waterfall!"

But the young man had been wise enough to slip behind a big rock when
he saw the turn things were taking, and was nowhere to be found.

First one and then another tasted of the stream. It was but too true;
no sake, but clear, cold water was there. Crestfallen and out of
temper, the covetous band returned to their homes.

When they were fairly gone the good young wood-cutter crept from his
hiding-place. "Could this be true," he t