4.2 THE GORGON’S HEAD.

~ Perseus flew cautiously downward, still keeping his
eyes on Medusa’s face, as reflected in his shield. The
nearer he came, the more terrible did the snaky visage
and metallic body of the monster grow. At last, when
he found himself hovering over her within arm’s length,
Perseus uplifted his sword, while, at the same instant,
each separate snake upon the Gorgon’s head stretched
threateningly upward, and Medusa unclosed her eyes.
But she awoke too late. The sword was sharp; the
stroke fell like a lightning-flash; and the head of the
wicked Medusa tumbled from her body!

~  Admirably done!” cried Quicksilver. ‘‘ Make haste,
and clap the head into your magic wallet.”

To the astonishment of Perseus, the small, embroi-
dered wallet, which he had hung about his neck, and
which had hitherto been no bigger than a purse, grew all
at once large enough to contain Medusa’s head. As
quick as thought, he snatched it up, with the snakes still
writhing upon it, and thrust it in. |

“Your task is done,” said the calm voice. ‘ Now fly;
for the other Gorgons will: do their utmost to take ven-
geance for Medusa’s death.”

_ It was, indeed, necessary to take flight; for Perseus
had not done the deed so quietly, but that the clash of
his sword, and the hissing of the snakes, and the thump
of Medusa’s head as tt tumbled upon the sea-beaten sand,
awoke the other two monsters. There they sat, for an
instant, sleepily mibbing their eyes with their brazen fin-
gers, while all the snakes on their heads reared themselves
on end with surprise, and with venomous malice against