"it is only too true!" said the tai; "the hook is still in my throat, and all my efforts to get it out have been useless. i can't eat, and i can scarcely breathe, and each moment i feel that it will choke me, and sometimes it gives me great pain. i had no intention of stealing the mikoto's hook. i heedlessly snapped at the bait which i saw in the water, and the hook came off and stuck in my throat. so i hope you will pardon me."