the thought that something might be hidden beneath the tree, and that the dog had scented it, at last struck the old man. he ran back to the house, fetched his spade and began to dig the ground at that spot. what was his astonishment when, after digging for some time, he came upon a heap of old and valuable coins, and the deeper he dug the more gold coins did he find. so intent was the old man on his work that he never saw the cross face of his neighbor peering at him through the bamboo hedge. at last all the gold coins lay shining on the ground. shiro sat by erect with pride and looking fondly at his master as if to say, "you see, though only a dog, i can make some return for all the kindness you show me."