and
I believe that what has been taken for a dragon is not one at all, but
pirates or merchants who have carried off the fair Orberosia and
the best of the children of Alca in their ships. But if one of those
brigands attempts to rob me of my oxen, I will either by force or craft
find a way to prevent him from doing me any harm."

This remark of the neatherd increased Orberosia's apprehensions and
added to her solicitude for the husband whom she loved.

X. THE DRAGON OF ALCA (Continuation)

The days passed by and no maiden arose in the island to combat the
monster. And in the wooden monastery old Mael, seated on a bench in the
shade of an old fig-tree, accompanied by a pious monk called Regimental,
kept asking himself anxiously and sadly how it was that there was not in
Alca a single virgin fit to overthrow the monster.

He sighed and brother Regimental sighed too. At that moment old Mael
called young Samuel, who happened to pass through the garden, and said
to him:

"I have meditated anew, my son, on the means of destroying the dragon
who devours the flower of our youth, our flocks, and our harvests. In
this respect the story of the dragons of St. Riok and of St. Pol de Leon
seems to me particularly instructive. The dragon of St. Riok was six
fathoms long; his head was derived from the cock and the basilisk, his
body from the ox and the serpent; he ravaged the banks of the Elorn in
the time of King Bristocus. St. Riok, then aged two years, led him by
a leash to the sea, in which the monster drowned himself of his own
accord. St. Pol's dragon was sixty feet long and not less terrible. The
blessed apostle of Leon bound him with his stole and allowed a young
noble of great purity of life to lead him. These examples prove that
in the eyes of God a chaste young man is as agreeable as a chaste girl.
Heaven makes no distinction between them. For this reason, my son, if
you believe what I say, we will both go to the Coast of Shadows; when we
reach the dragon's cavern we will call the monster in a loud voice, and
when he comes forth I will tie my stole round his neck and you will lead
him to the sea, where he will not fail to drown himself."

At the old man's words Samuel cast down his head and did not answer.

"You seem to hesitate, my son," said Mael.

Brother Regimental, contrary to his custom, spoke without being
addressed.

"There is at least cause for some hesitation," said he. "St. Riok was
only two year