letter in which the prince declared, that though he was willing to risk his life in meeting unknown dangers, he had resolved never to return till he had plucked “The JewelBranch,”-meaning Lady Splendor herself. The princess admired the glittering jewels, as she held them in her hands, but sighed to think that just because her wishes had been so faithfully fulfilled she would have to wed the prince. Just then old Taketori entered and announced the prince, all travel stained from his long journey, come to claim the fulfilment of her promise. The princess answered nothing, but leaning a sad face upon her hand seemed lost in revery. The old wood-cutter could not understand his daughter's reluctance to wed so rich and handsome a suitor who had proved his devotion by such		a marvellous gift, but all his urging only brought the response, that she had asked her suitors to do what she had fondly hoped would prove impossible, lest he should think her unfilial in refusing his request to choose a husband.  Old Taketori hereupon went out to the prince and begged him to tell of his journey, as he was sure there must be marvellous adventures connected with the finding of such jewels. The prince nothing loath began:-“It was more than two years ago, when on the tenth day of the second moon I set out on my travels, fully resolved never to return without the Jewel-Branch of Horai. I knew not where to go, but trusting to fair fortune, spread my sail to the first breeze that blew. It was not long before fierce storms
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