Page:Jewish Fairy Book (Gerald Friedlander).djvu/105

Rh my great pleasure some long time ago to entertain Jonah, when he came down here on a short visit. I had the privilege of showing him my palace and some of my treasures. I have since been told that he returned to earth, all the better for his visit down here. He had been sent to the bottom of the sea in order to learn the lesson of obedience. You need have no fear. Just answer my questions and I promise to deal kindly with you, for you are now my guest. It was at my special order that you were brought here. Now tell me, Why do you daily throw bread to my subjects, the fish? What is your object and what is your motive in doing this kind and thoughtful act?

Samuel replied: "One thought only filled my heart and soul, and that was to obey my dying father's last injunction. On his death-bed he commanded me to go daily to the bank of the Jordan to throw a basketful of nice fresh white bread into the river for the hungry fish. I have done this every day since my dear father's burial. I may tell you that my good father also did the same every day of his life."

"Now tell me," asked Leviathan, "what do you do for your living?"

"I am a poor fisherman, even as my dear father was before me."

"Where do you live?"

"In a little house not far from Jericho on the