said, was obliged to
tell how the Minor Canon had been sent away by the people, in the
hope that the Griffin might be induced to follow him.

When the monster heard this, he became furiously angry. He dashed
away from the old men and, spreading his wings, flew backward and
forward over the town. He was so much excited that his tail became
red-hot, and glowed like a meteor against the evening sky. When at
last he settled down in the little field where he usually rested, and
thrust his tail into the brook, the steam arose like a cloud, and the
water of the stream ran hot through the town. The citizens were
greatly frightened, and bitterly blamed the old man for telling about
the Minor Canon.

"It is plain," they said, "that the Griffin intended at last to go
and look for him, and we should have been saved. Now who can tell
what misery you have brought upon us."

The Griffin did not remain long in the little field. As soon as his
tail was cool he flew to the town-hall and rang the bell. The
citizens knew that they were expected to come there, and although
they were afraid to go, they were still more afraid to stay away; and
they crowded into the hall. The Griffin was on the platform at one
end, flapping his wings and walking up and down, and the end of his
tail was still so warm that it slightly scorched the boards as he
dragged it after him.

When everybody who was able to come was there, the Griffin stood
still and addressed the meeting.

"I have had a contemptible opinion of you," he said, "ever since I
discovered what cowards you are, but I had no idea that you were so
ungrateful, selfish, and cruel, as I now find you to be. Here was
your Minor Canon, who labored day and night for your good, and
thought of nothing else but how he might benefit you and make you
happy; and as soon as you imagine yourselves threatened with a
danger,--for well I know you are dreadfully afraid of me,--you send
him off, caring not whether he returns or perishes, hoping thereby to
save yourselves. Now, I had conceived a great liking for that young
man, and had intended, in a day or two, to go and look him up. But I
have changed my mind about him. I shall go and find him, but I shall
send him back here to live among you, and I intend that he shall
enjoy the reward of his labor and his sacrifices. Go, some of you, to
the officers of the church, who so cowardly ran away when I first
came here, and tell them never to return to this town un