Preparations for Peach-boy’s journey began at once. The old woman made him some dumplings and got his clothes ready. When the time came for him to start, the old couple saw him off with tears in their eyes.
“Take care of yourself. May you return victorious,” they said.
XVI—A WARRIOR’S HELPERS
Peach-boy walked steadily and rapidly along the highway from early morning until midday, when he sat down to eat his dinner. Just as he took out one of the dumplings, a big savage dog appeared.
“Wow! wow!” the dog barked. “You have come into my territory without leave. If you do not at once give me your dinner I will devour you.”
Peach-boy smiled scornfully. “I am on my way to fight the enemies of Japan,” he said. “Don’t try to stop me or I will slay you.”
“I did not know the purpose of your journey,” the dog responded, cowering and putting his tail between his legs. “I humbly beg your pardon for my rude conduct. Please allow me to accompany and help you.”
“You are welcome to go with me,” Peach-boy said.
“But I am very hungry,” the dog told him. “Will you please give me something to eat?”
“Here is a dumpling for you,” was Peach-boy’s response.