Taro ran in the direction of the stream because he was thirsty. Secondly, he had never before heard the sound of falling in that area.

Why did Taro run in the direction of the stream?

Summary of Chapter 3 - Taro's Reward:
In Chapter 3 of the story "Taro's Reward," Taro helps a wealthy merchant by saving his son from drowning in the river. As a reward, Taro is promised anything he wishes for. However, Taro is a humble and kind-hearted boy who only asks for a rice cake to share with his hungry mother.

Reasons for Taro running in the direction of the stream:
Taro's decision to run in the direction of the stream can be attributed to the following reasons:

1. To follow the path of the stream:
The story mentions that Taro's house is located on the outskirts of the village. Since Taro needs to fetch water from the stream, it makes sense for him to run in the direction of the stream to reach it quickly.

2. To avoid wasting time:
Taro is eager to fulfill his promise of bringing water to his mother as soon as possible, as she is waiting for him to return. Running in the direction of the stream allows him to save time and meet his mother's needs promptly.

3. To ensure the water is clean and fresh:
By running towards the stream, Taro is likely aiming to collect water from the source rather than downstream. Water at the source is usually cleaner and fresher, making it more suitable for drinking and cooking purposes.

4. To carry the water efficiently:
Running in the direction of the stream helps Taro carry the water more efficiently. The force of the running water can assist him in filling up his bucket quickly, saving him from having to walk a longer distance to collect the required amount of water.

Conclusion:
Taro's decision to run in the direction of the stream is practical and logical. It allows him to save time, collect clean water, and carry it more efficiently. Taro's actions reflect his responsible and caring nature as he strives to fulfill his promise to his mother.