One day I heard Shiro barking for a long time at the back of my house. I hurried out, thinking that perhaps some birds were attacking the corn, to see what was the matter. As soon as Shiro saw me he ran to meet me, wagging his tail, and, seizing the end of my kimono, dragged my under a large yenoki tree. He began to dig very industriously with his paws, yelping with joy all the time. I stood looking on in bewilderment, unable to understand what it all meant.

The thought that something might be hidden beneath the tree, and that the dog had scented it, at last struck me. I ran back to the house, fetched my spade and began to dig the ground at that spot. What was my astonishment when, after digging for some time, I came upon a heap of old and valuable coins, and the deeper I dug the more gold coins did I find. So intent was I on my work that I never saw the cross face of my neighbor peering at me through the bamboo hedge. At last all the gold coins lay shining on the ground. Shiro sat by erect with pride and looking fondly at me as if to say, "You see, though only a dog, I can make some return for all the kindness you show me."

I ran in to call my wife, and together we carried home the treasure. Thus in one day I became rich. My gratitude to my faithful dog knew no bounds, and I loved and petted him more than ever, if that were possible.

Explanation:

6 0

3 years ago