In the meantime the inhabitants of Alca practised the labours of peace.
Those of the northern coast went in boats to fish or to search for
shell-fish. The labourers of Dombes cultivated oats, rye, and wheat.
The rich Penguins of the valley of Dalles reared domestic animals,
while those of the Bay of Divers cultivated their orchards. Merchants of
Port-Alca carried on a trade in salt fish with Armorica and the gold
of the two Britains, which began to be introduced into the island,
facilitated exchange. The Penguin people were enjoying the fruit of
their labours in perfect tranquillity when suddenly a sinister rumour
ran from village to village. It was said everywhere that frightful
dragon had ravaged two farms in the Bay of Divers.

A few days before, the maiden Orberosia had disappeared. Her absence had
at first caused no uneasiness because on several occasions she had been
carried off by violent men who were consumed with love. And thoughtful
people were not astonished at this, reflecting that the maiden was the
most beautiful of the Penguins. It was even remarked that she sometimes
went to meet her ravishers, for none of us can escape his destiny. But
this time, as she did not return, it was feared that the dragon had
devoured her. The more so as the inhabitants of the valley of Dalles
soon knew that the dragon was not a fable told by the women around the
fountains. For one night the monster devoured out of the village of Anis
six hens, a sheep, and a young orphan child called little Elo. The next
morning nothing was to be found either of the animals or of the child.

Immediately the Elders of the village assembled in the public place and
seated themselves on the stone bench to take counsel concerning what it
was expedient to do in these terrible circumstances.