Japanese Fairy Tales

angered her the more. But because of her father's presence she did not dare to do O'Yone any great ill; therefore she waited, biding her time. The poor child passed her days and her nights in torment and horrible fear. But of these things she said not a word to her father. Such is the manner of children.

Now, after some time, it chanced that the man was called away by his business to a distant city. Kioto was the name of the city, and from Yedo it is many days' journey on foot or on horseback. Howbeit, go the man needs must, and stay there three moons or more. Therefore he made ready, and equipped himself, and his servants that were to go with him, with all things needful; and so came to the last night before his departure, which was to be very early in the morning.

He called O'Yone to him and said: "Come here, then, my dear little daughter." So O'Yone went and knelt before him.

"What gift shall I bring you home from Kioto?" he said.

But she hung her head and did not answer.