constantly thinking how he could best reward the old people for their kindness to him, and he set out on a pilgrimage to certain shrines, believing the good spirit would aid him. He had a dream that decided him as to his course in search for wealth and fame. There was an island said to be inhabited by demons who guarded fabulous treasures of precious things, hid in the caves, and fastened up with great metal doors, guarded by dragons and ghouls; and he dreamt he had been to this demons' isle, that he had overcome the demons, killed the guards, and forced the gates, and that the spirits in the form of animals had aided him in finding the treasure.
Momotaro now practised the use of heavy weapons until he became wonderfully expert. But the old folk were unwilling that he should incur such danger. He could be happy with them in their poverty: if they lost him they would be unable to replace him. But he persuaded them that the gods, who had sent him to them in a peach, would not desert them or him now.
So at last he started on his perilous adventure. His pet dog ran after him and asked to be taken: he would be good and not bark. The old folk had given Momotaro a lot of cakes to eat on the road, and he gave the dog some. By-and -by they met a monkey, who asked Taro where he was going, "and what have you got those great weapons for? " "I am going to the Demons' Isle to kill the demons and take the treasure home to my old folks as some return for their kindness: here is some cake for you master monkey," said Taro. "Then I will go with you and help you," said the monkey. Taro thanked him, and gave him some cake. So the three went along together until they met a pheasant, who seemed to be a friend of the monkey. Taro gave him some cake, and when he heard where Taro was going he offered to join the party and help. So Taro was glad he gave him some cake, but wondered how his three friends were going to help him.
When they reached the shore there was only one boat, and it was a long way off. The monkey told the dog to swim out with him on his back. He thus managed to untie the boat and bring it back. The pheasant flew out and helped with his wings too, the dog swam with the rope in his mouth dragging the boat, while the monkey paddled.
