Teacher To-jong was once upon a time a merchant, and in his
merchandising went as far as the East Sea. One night he slept
in a fishing village on the shore. At that time another stranger
called who was said to be an i-in or "holy man." The three met and
talked till late at night--the master of the house, the "holy man"
and To-jong. It was very clear and beautifully calm. The "holy man"
looked for a time out over the expanse of water, then suddenly gave
a great start of terror, and said, "An awful thing is about to happen."
His companions, alarmed at his manner, asked him what he meant. He
replied, "In two hours or so there will be a tidal wave that will
engulf this whole village, utterly destroying everything. If you do
not make haste to escape all will be as fish in a net."
To-jong, being something of an astrologer himself, thought first to
solve the mystery of this, but could arrive at no explanation.
The owner of the house would not believe it, and refused to prepare
for escape.
The "holy man" said, however, "Even though you do not believe what I
say, let us go for a little up the face of the rear mountain. If my
words fail we can only come down again, and no one will be the worse
for it. If you still do not wish to trust me, leave your goods and
furniture just as they are and let the people come away."
To-jong was greatly interested, though he could not understand it. The
master, too, could no longer refuse this proposal, so he took his
family and a few light things and followed the "holy man" up the hill.