thus kintaro's fate was settled, and the general decided to start for the capital at once, taking kintaro with him. it need hardly be said that yama-uba was sad at parting with her boy, for he was all that was left to her. but she hid her grief with a strong face, as they say in japan. she knew that it was for her boy's good that he should leave her now, and she must not discourage him just as he was setting out.