The Monkey and the Warrior
At length they entered a wilderness, and a wonderful bird sprang up from the ground as if to assail them. The bird’s head plumage was of the deepest crimson and his body was clothed with a feather robe in five colors.
The dog dashed at the bird to seize and devour him, but Peach-boy sprang forward and prevented this. Then he said: “Bird, do you wish to interrupt my journey? If so, the dog shall bite off your head. But if you submit to me you can be one of my company and help fight the enemies of Japan.”
The bird instantly bowed in front of Peach-boy, saying, “I am a humble bird called the pheasant. It would be an honor to accompany you on such an expedition.”
“Does this low fellow go with us?” the dog growled disdainfully.
“That is no business of yours,” Peach-boy said; “and I give you three animals warning that if any quarreling starts among you I will send you all back that very moment. In war a good position is better than good luck, but union is better than either good luck or good position. There can be no squabbling among ourselves if we are to win.”
The three animals listened respectfully and promised implicit obedience. Then the pheasant ate a half dumpling that Peach-boy gave him, and the four went on together.