rise that was to serve them for the week with a pestle that made
her arms ache with its weight. Suddenly she heard something
whining and weeping in the corner, and, stopping her work, she
looked round to see what it was. That was all that the rascal
wanted, and he put on directly his most humble air, and begged
the woman in his softest voice to loosen his bonds, which her
hurting him sorely. She was filled with pity for him, but did
not dare to set him free, as she knew that her husband would be
very angry. The Tanuki, however, did not despair, and seeing
that her heart was softened, began his prayers anew. 'He only
asked to have his bonds taken from him,' he said. 'He would give
his word not to attempt to escape, and if he was once set free he
could soon pound her rice for her.' 'Then you can have a little
rest,' he went on, 'for rice pounding is very tiring work, and
not at all fit for weak women.' These last words melted the good
woman completely, and she unfastened the bonds that held him.
Poor foolish creature! In one moment the Tanuki had seized her,
stripped off all her clothes, and popped her in the mortar. In a
few minutes more she was pounded as fine as the rice; and not
content with that, the Tanuki placed a pot on the hearth and made
ready to cook the peasant a dinner from the flesh of his own
wife!

When everything was complete he looked out of the door, and saw
the old man coming from the forest carrying a large bundle of
wood. Quick as lightning the Tanuki not only put on the woman's
clothes, but, as he was a magician, assumed her form as well.
Then he took the wood, kindled the fire, and very soon set a
large dinner before the old man, who was very hungry, and had
forgotten for the moment all about his enemy. But when the