days in the outskirts of the grove, in the centre
of which the Golden Fleece was hanging upon
a tree. They were now on their way to Greece,
in hopes of getting back a kingdom that had
been wrongfully taken from their father.

When the princes understood whither the
Argonauts were going, they offered to turn back,
and guide them to Colchis. At the same time,
however, they spoke as if it were very doubtful
whether Jason would succeed in getting the
Golden Fleece. According to their account, the
tree on which it hung was guarded by a terri-
ble dragon, who never failed to devour, at one
mouthful, every person who might venture with-
in his reach.

"There are other difficulties in the way," con-
tinued the young princes. "But is not this
enough? Ah, brave Jason, turn back before it
is too late. It would grieve us to the heart, if
vou and your nine and forty brave companions
should be eaten up, at fifty mouthfuls, by this
execrable dragon."

"My young friends," quietly replied Jason,
tl I do not wonder that you think the dragon
very terrible, You have grown up from infancy

[[309]]

p308 _ -chap- _ toc-1 _ p309w _ toc-2 _ +chap+ _ p310

v?