the old couple had their expectations raised, and bestowed still more
care on his education.

[Illustration]

[Illustration]

Momotaro finding that he excelled every body in strength determined to
cross over to the island of the devils, take their riches, and come
back. He at once consulted with the old man and the old woman about the
matter, and got them to make him some dumplings. These he put in his
pouch. Besides this he made every kind of preparation for his journey to
the island of the devils and set out.

[Illustration]

[Illustration]

Then first a dog came to the side of the way and said; "Momotaro! What
have you there hanging at your belt?" He replied: "I have some of the
very best Japanese millet dumplings." "Give me one and I will go with
you," said the dog. So Momotaro took a dumpling out of his pouch and
gave it to the dog. Then a monkey came and got one the same way. A
pheasant also came flying and said: "Give me a dumpling too, and I will
go I along with you." So all three went along with him. In no time they
arrived at the island of the devils, and at once broke through the front
gate; Momotaro first; then his three followers. Here they met a great
multitude of the devil's retainers who showed fight, but they pressed
still inwards, and at last encountered the chief of the devils, called
Akandoji. Then came the tug of war. Akandoji made at Momotaro with an
iron club, but Momotaro was ready for him, and dodged him adroitly. At
last they grappled each other, and without difficulty Momotaro just
crushed down Akandoji and tied him with a rope so tight that he could
not even move. All this was done in a fair fight.

[Illustration]

[Illustration]

[Illustration]

After this Akandoji the chief of the devils said he would surrender all
his riches. "Out with your riches then;" said Momotaro laughing. Having
collected and ranged in order a great pile of precious things, Momotaro
took them, and set out for his home, rejoicing, as he marched bravely
back, that, with the help of his three companions, to whom he attributed
all his success, he had been able so easily to accomplish his end.

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[Illustration]

Great was the joy of the