ir trouble. Their case seemed so hopeless to
themselves, and the child was so sure of her own power to help them,
that they finally accompanied her to her father's house, where she
showed them how to comply with their father-in-law's demand.

For the first a paper lantern only would be needed. When lighted it
would be a fire, and its paper surface would compass the blaze, so
that it would truly be "some fire wrapped in paper." For the second a
paper fan would suffice. When flapped, wind would issue from it, and
the "wind wrapped in paper" could thus be carried to the old man.

The two young women thanked the wise child, and went on their way
rejoicing. After a pleasant visit to their old homes, they took a
lantern and a fan, and returned to their father-in-law's house. As
soon as he saw them he began to vent his anger at their light regard
for his commands, but they assured him that they had perfectly
obeyed him, and showed him that what they had brought fulfilled the
conditions prescribed. Much astonished, he inquired how it was that
they had suddenly become so astute, and they told him the story of
their journey, and of the little girl who had so opportunely come
to their relief. He inquired whether the little girl was already
betrothed, and, finding that she was not, engaged a go-between to see
if he could get her for a wife for his youngest son.

Having succeeded in securing the girl as a daughter-in-law, he brought
her home, and told all the rest of the family that as there was
no mother in the house, and as this girl had shown herself to be
possessed of extraordinary wisdom, she should be the head of the
household.

The wedding festivities being over, the sons of the old man made ready
to return to their usual occupations on the farm; but, according to
their father's order, they came to the young bride for instructions.
She told them that they were never to go to or from the fields
empty-handed. When they went they must carry fertilizers of some sort
for the land, and when they returned they must bring bundles of sticks
for fuel. They obeyed, and soon had the land in fine condition, and so
much fuel gathered that none need be bought. When there were no
more sticks, roots, or weeds to bring; she told them to bring stones
instead; and they soon accumulated an immense pile of stones, which
were heaped in a yard near their house.

One day an expert in the discovery of precious stones came along,
and saw in this