Page:The jade story book; stories from the Orient (IA jadestorybooksto00cous).pdf/362

346 peaks, and looking down at the Lake of Gems."

"In order to reach it you must cross the Blue River, the White River, the Red River, and the Black River, all of which are full of monstrous fishes. That is why my mother is sending you," sighed Yun-Ying. "She thinks you will not return alive."

"I am a good swimmer, and not afraid of fish," said Pei-Hang.

"But you must not try to swim," said Yun-Ying earnestly, "for you would be instantly devoured. Take this box with you. In it you will find six red seeds, one of which you must throw into each river as you come to it. The river will then shrink to the size of a small brook, over which you can jump."

Pei-Hang opened the box, and saw inside six round, red seeds, each of them the size of a pea, and these he promised to use as she had directed. Then he kissed her, and set out on his journey.

On his way to Mount Sumi he passed through the town in which his parents lived, and when he saw them, he told them every-