Page:The jade story book; stories from the Orient (IA jadestorybooksto00cous).pdf/227

              MR. SIN, THE CARP                         211 "Do you really wish to become a fish?" inquired the king.

"I do, your Majesty," replied Sin. "The gentleman who brought me to you has shown me that only fishes can really appreciate life in the river, and I am sure that the full enjoyment of such must be wonderful."

"Then you shall have your desire," said the king, and turning to one of his attendants, he told him to fetch a large fish's skin.

The messenger soon returned with a skin which proved to be just the right size, and into this Sin was put, leaving out only his hands and feet. It was rather uncomfortable at first, and he felt a gradual change coming over him; his arms grew smaller and smaller, and his hands became like fins; his legs and feet went together and took the form of a tail. Then he felt better, and became anxious to try his new powers, so, thanking his Majesty for his kindness, he began to swim away.

"Just a minute," said the king. "I have some advice to give you. No one knows better than you that men are always trying to catch fish, both by hook and net. Now,