content: " oh , there will be no difficulty about your getting there , " said the old man ; " i can soon make something for you to ride on through the sea . " " thank you , " said the happy hunter , " i shall be very grateful to you if you will be so kind . " the old man at once set to work , and soon made a basket and offered it to the happy hunter . he received it with joy , and taking it to the water , mounted it , and prepared to start . he bade good by to the kind old man who had helped him so much , and told him that he would certainly reward him as soon as he found his hook and could return to japan without fear of his brother 's anger . the old man pointed out the direction he must take , and told him how to reach the realm of ryn gu , and watched him ride out to sea on the basket , which resembled a small boat .
answer: the old man had helped him .
question: why did the happy hunter promise to reward the old man ?
target: why did the happy hunter promise to reward the old man ?
references: why did the happy hunter promise to reward the old man ?