ami since Jason had promised him an answer,
there was no right way, save to tell him precisely
what would be the most prudent thing to do, if
he had his worst enemy in his power.

Therefore, after a moment's consideration, he
spoke up, with a firm and manly voice.

"I would send such a man," said he, "in quest
of the Golden Fleece!"

This enterprise, you will understand, was, of
all others, the most difficult and dangerous in the
world. In the first place, it would be necessary
to make a long voyage through unknown seas,
There was hardly a hope, or a possibility, that
any young man who should undertake this
voyage would either succeed in obtaining the
Golden Fleece, or would survive to return home,
and tell of the perils he had run. The eyes of
King Pelias sparkled with joy, therefore, when
he heard Jason's reply.

"Well said, wise man with the one sandal!"
cried he. "Go, then, and at the peril of your
life, bring me back the Golden Fleece."

"I go," answered Jason, composedly. "If I
fail, you need not fear that I will over come back
to trouble you again. But if I return tp lolchoa

[[289]]

p288 _ -chap- _ toc-1 _ p289w _ toc-2 _ +chap+ _ p290

v?