"you must think it strange that i want to go away," said momotaro, "because i have not yet told you my reason. far away from here to the northeast of japan there is an island in the sea. this island is the stronghold of a band of devils. i have often heard how they invade this land, kill and rob the people, and carry off all they can find. they are not only very wicked but they are disloyal to our emperor and disobey his laws. they are also cannibals, for they kill and eat some of the poor people who are so unfortunate as to fall into their hands.