It is a hot summer’s day. A Woodcutter is cutting wood in the forest.

　　Woodcutter: It’s very hot today. (He wipes his forehead.) But I must cut more wood. My mother is very sick. I must buy her some medicine.

　　The Woodcutter is busy cutting wood. Suddenly, his ax slips from his hands and goes flying into a nearby pond.

　　Woodcutter: Oh, no! My ax fell into the pond! That was my only ax! I still have to cut more wood. What shall I do? My poor mother!

　　The Woodcutter sits near the pond and just stares into the water. Then he starts to cry.

　　Spirit: Young man, why are you crying?

　　Woodcutter: My ax fell in the pond. It was my only ax. I can’t get it out.

　　Spirit: You are crying because of an ax?

　　Woodcutter: No. I am crying because of my poor mother. I have to cut a lot of wood to buy my mother’s medicine. But without my ax, I can’t cut any wood.

　　Spirit: Hmmm……Well then, I shall find your ax. Just wait here.

　　The Spirit disappears into the pond for a few minutes and comes out with a shiny ax.

　　Spirit: Is this your ax?

　　Woodcutter: No, sir. That is not my ax. That ax is made of gold.

　　Spirit: Are you sure? Look again!

　　Woodcutter: Yes, I am very sure. That is not my ax.

　　Spirit: Wait again. I will be back.

　　The Spirit disappears into the pond again and comes back with another ax.

　　Spirit: Is this your ax?

　　Woodcutter: No, no! that is not my ax, either. That is a silver ax. My ax is not made of silver.

　　Spirit: Look carefully!

　　Woodcutter: My ax is made of iron. That one is not mine.

　　Spirit: I am very sorry. This time I will get the right one. Please wait.

　　The Spirit disappears and comes back with an iron ax.

　　Spirit: Is this your ax?

　　Woodcutter: Oh, yes, yes! That is mine! That is my iron ax! You have found it at last. Thank you so much. I shall always be grateful.

　　Spirit：Hum…… You are an honest man and a devoted son. I shall give you all three axes. Take them and go home now. Take good care of your mother.

　　Woodcutter: I will. Do not worry. And thank you again.

　　The Woodcutter goes back to the village and on his way home meets another Woodcutter.

　　Woodcutter2: Hello, there.

　　Woodcutter: Hello.

　　The other Woodcutter sees the golden and silver axes. He looks very surprised and becomes curious.

　　Woodcutter2: Where did you get those golden and silver axes? They must be very expensive. You are a rich man.

　　Woodcutter: I was a poor man, too. But a Spirit came out of the pond and gave them to me.

　　Woodcutter2: What do you mean? Tell me more, please.

　　Woodcutter: Well, I was chopping wood. Then my ax fell into the pond. A Spirit came out of the pond and gave these axes to me.

　　Woodcutter2: Where is that pond? Please tell me!

　　Woodcutter: It’s in the woods.

　　Woodcutter2: Okay. Thanks! I shall do the same.

　　Woodcutter: I don't think that is a good idea. But good luck!

　　The other Woodcutter goes into the forest and finds the pond. He pretends to be chopping wood and throws his ax in the pond on purpose.

　　Woodcutter2: Now, I’ll throw my ax in the pond. Whee!

　　Spirit appears.

　　Spirit: Did you drop an ax in my pond?

　　Woodcutter2: Yes, I did! Please help me! Find my ax for me!

　　Spirit: Just wait here. I will find your ax.

　　The Spirit disappears as before and comes out with three axes.

　　Spirit: Is this golden ax yours?

　　Woodcutter2: Oh, yes! That is mine! Thank you for finding it! Please give it to me now!

　　Spirit: Are you sure? Look again.

　　Woodcutter2: Of course, I am sure. That is my ax.

　　The Spirit shows him another ax.

　　Spirit: Then how about this ax? Is this sliver ax yours, too?

　　Woodcutter2: Oh my goodness! That is also my ax. Give it to me!

　　Spirit: This silver ax is yours? Then，how about this iron ax?

　　The Spirit shows the other Woodcutter his real ax.

　　Woodcutter2: No, no! That is not my ax. You can have that ax, old man. My axes are only made of gold and silver. Give me my axes!

　　Suddenly, the whole forest turns dark, and thunder and lightning strikes.

　　Spirit: Go back to your village! You are a greedy man and also a terrible liar! Go home now before you are punished!

　　Woodcutter2: Oh, no! Please forgive me! At least give back my iron ax!

　　The Spirit disappears into the pond without saying another word.

　　Woodcutter2: I won’t be greedy again! Please come back! Give me back my iron ax!

　　The other Woodcutter kept pleading, but the Spirit didn't come back. It was too late.

　　Woodcutter2: Now I have nothing. What shall I do? Boo-hoo……

　　MORAL

　　Honest and diligent men are rewarded and greedy men are punished.