18 PRINCE PRIGIO.

 

lous animal which does not exist. But even
granting, for the sake of argument, that there
-is a Firedrake, your majesty is well aware that
there is no kind of use in sending me. It is
always the eldest son who goes out first, and
comes to grief on these occasions, and it is
always the third son that succeeds. Send
Alphonso” (this was the youngest brother),
“and he will do the trick at once. At least, if
he fails, it will be most unusual, and Enrico
can try his luck.”

Then he went back to his arithmetic and his
slate, and the king had to send for Prince
Alphonso and Prince Enrico. They both came
in very warm; for they had been whipping tops,
and the day was unusually hot.

“Look here,” said the king, “just you two
younger ones look at Prigio! You see how hot
it is, and how coolly he takes it, and the country
suffering; and all on account of a Firedrake,
you know, which has apparently built his
nest not far off. Well, I have asked that
lout of a brother of yours to kill it, and he
says es

‘*That he does not believe in Firedrakes,”
interrupted Prigio. ‘‘The weather’s warm
enough without going out hunting!” :

‘* Not believe in Firedrakes !’’ cried Alphonso.
‘I wonder what you do believein! Just let me
get at the creature!” for he was as brave asa
lion. ‘Hi! Page, my chain-armour, helmet,