"Have you ever seen Rin Gin, the Palace of the Dragon King of the
Sea, Urashima?"

The fisherman shook his head and replied; "No; year after year the
sea has been my home, but though I have often heard of the Dragon
King's realm under the sea I have never yet set eyes on that
wonderful place. It must be very far away, if it exists at all!"

"Is that really so? You have never seen the Sea King's Palace? Then
you have missed seeing one of the most wonderful sights in the whole
universe. It is far away at the bottom of the sea, but if I take you
there we shall soon reach the place. If you would like to see the
Sea King's land I will be your guide."

"I should like to go there, certainly, and you are very kind to
think of taking me, but you must remember that I am only a poor
mortal and have not the power of swimming like a sea creature such
as you are--"

Before the fisherman could say more the tortoise stopped him,
saying:

"What? You need not swim yourself. If you will ride on my back I
will take you without any trouble on your part."

"But," said Urashima, "how is it possible for me to ride on your
small back?"

"It may seem absurd to you. but I assure you that you can do so. Try