of its speaking to him assured him that it must contain the spirit of some human being, so he gave it freedom. The turtle then invited him to travel, and he, being assured his parents would not want in his absence, set out with his new friend. Finally they arrived at a beautiful palace built of coral and pearl, and his companion was suddenly transformed into a beautiful girl. He lived with her for a long time; but being anxious to see his good old parents again, he wished to visit them, and on departing on his journey was presented with a casket, which, so long as it remained unopened, gave him power to return at will, or to become possessed of anything he wished for. The casket also carried with it the gift of immortal youth. After a time, however, his curiosity overcame his prudence and he opened the casket, when it immediately melted away and. disappeared, leaving him suddenly an old man.
[Another version of the story represents Taro retaining the casket unopened (it only bringing him unlimited wealth), and living happily, after providing for his parents, and that a grandson opened it.]
THE LOST FISH-HOOK.
HI-KO, the fourth son of Ni-ni-gi, was the first of hunters, and was ever successful. His elder brother Ho-no tried fishing, but in vain; he never caught anything, so he agreed to change places with his brother. The result was that Ho-no did not get anything for his efforts, and Hi-ko not only did not catch any fish, but lost the hook, a big fish having made off with it.
Now, as this was a very serious loss, Ho-no was very angry with his brother Hi-ko, besides he was jealous of him, and, even when lli-ko made a great number of hooks, Ho-no refused them, unreasonably demanding the return of the lost one. Hi-ko was much grieved at his elder brother's harshness and unforgiving spirit and went to the sea-shore, at his wit's end what to do. While wandering along the beach he met an old man of very venerable appearance, who kindly inquired the cause of his grief. Hi-ko, glad to have some one to advise with in
