he received it from them with both hands , raising it to the height of his forehead in token of high respect and pleasure , and then drank the water quickly , for his thirst was great . when he had finished his long draught he set the cup down on the edge of the well , and drawing his short sword he cut off one of the strange curved jewels ( magatama ) , a necklace of which hung round his neck and fell over his breast . he placed the jewel in the cup and returned it to them , and said , bowing deeply : " this is a token of my thanks ! " the two ladies took the cup , and looking into it to see what he had put inside - for they did not yet know what it was - they gave a start of surprise , for there lay a beautiful gem at the bottom of the cup . " no ordinary mortal would give away a jewel so freely . will you not honor us by telling us who you are ? " said the elder damsel . " certainly , " said the happy hunter , " i am hohodemi , the fourth mikoto , also called in japan , the happy hunter . " 
what did mikoto do in thanks ?
cut off one of the strange curved jewels .
cut off one of the strange curved jewels .