The poor man, distraught about not being able to provide for his family, had been saved by the mysterious woman after his failed attempt at suicide. He found happiness living with this girl, who provided all the food and clothes he could ever want. But after a few months, he started missing his family, and so he told her that he would be leaving to see them again, but promised to return.

‘On your way back, then,’ said the girl, ‘take no notice of anyone who may try to deter you. Come straight back, and I shall be waiting for you.’

So he set out for the family he had left behind. When he reached the village, he was astounded to see a magnificent new house built where his old home had stood. When he came closer, he saw his own name on the gate. The thought that his wife might have been unfaithful in his absence suddenly entered his mind and made him angry. But then he reflected that he had no right to blame her, for he had neglected her for a long time.

He knocked at the gate, and his son came and opened it. He looked at his long-lost father with joyous tears. ‘Welcome home, Father,’ he cried, and then called to his mother, ‘Mother, Father is home!’ She immediately rushed out into the garden, wearing the most beautiful clothes.

Her husband looked sternly at her and asked, ‘Who built this house? Where did you get the money?’

His wife looked at him questioningly. ‘Wasn’t it you who sent me money every day? I thought it was you who sent us all these wonderful presents. Am I mistaken, then?’

The truth dawned on her husband. It must have been none other than the rich woman he had been staying with, for who else would help his family. So he pretended he had just been joking, and changed the subject. He said nothing of his suicide, nor of the mysterious woman he had met.

He was very happy to be reunited with his family after his long absence, but as the months went by he began to think longingly of the beautiful woman he had left in the country. At last his desire to see her once again became so strong that he could bear to wait no longer. Once again he left his wife and family and set out for his mistress’s house.

On the way he had to pass by a big, hollow tree. Just as he came to it he was surprised to hear a voice calling him by name. ‘My dear grandson,’ it said, ‘I am the spirit of your grandfather. Listen to me. You must not visit that woman again. I give you this warning for your own good. She is no woman, but a centipede a thousand years old.’

It certainly sounded like his grandfather’s voice, but he refused to believe what it had told him, for he trusted the woman implicitly. He would not have been deterred even if the warning had been true, for having once attempted suicide he was no longer afraid of death. So he answered, ‘Grandfather, I must see her again. I promised her I would return, and nothing will prevent me from keeping my promise. Death is nothing for me, for I believe that I have died once already. And even though it meant death I would see her, for it was she who saved my family when starvation stared them in the face.’