44 Nature Myths and Stories.

liver, too, if well powdered, will be used to cure
fevers in the fall.”

“listen, cned=@) Haru San. “ltas springtime,
and everything rejoices. How can you kill such a
small soft beaste

“See, here is twice your price; take it all,” and
she drew copper money and silver money from her
girdle.

The boys placed the little frightened animal in
her lap and ran away, pleased to be so rich.

The cub felt the touch of her soft hand, and
trembled no longer. She loosened carefully the
knot and noose and string.

She stroked the red fur smooth again, and bound
up the little bleeding leg. She offered it rice and
fish to eat, but the black eyes plainly said, “This is
very nice, but I hear my parents grieving near
yonder beanstraw stack. I long to go and comfort
them,”

She set the little fox gently on the ground, and,
forgetting its wounded leg, it leaped through the
bushes at one happy bound.

The two old foxes gravely looked it over neck
and breast.

They licked it from its bushy tail to its smooth,
brown crown. Then, sitting up on their haunches,
they gave two sharp barks of gratitude.

That was their way of saying, “We send you
thanks, sweet maid.” :