seems to me particularly instructive. The dragon of St. Riok was six
fathoms long; his head was derived from the cock and the basilisk, his
body from the ox and the serpent; he ravaged the banks of the Elorn in
the time of King Bristocus. St. Riok, then aged two years, led him by
a leash to the sea, in which the monster drowned himself of his own
accord. St. Pol's dragon was sixty feet long and not less terrible. The
blessed apostle of Leon bound him with his stole and allowed a young
noble of great purity of life to lead him. These examples prove that
in the eyes of God a chaste young man is as agreeable as a chaste girl.
Heaven makes no distinction between them. For this reason, my son, if
you believe what I say, we will both go to the Coast of Shadows; when we
reach the dragon's cavern we will call the monster in a loud voice, and
when he comes forth I will tie my stole round his neck and you will lead
him to the sea, where he will not fail to drown himself."

At the old man's words Samuel cast down his head and did not answer.

"You seem to hesitate, my son," said Mael.

Brother Regimental, contrary to his custom, spoke without being
addressed.

"There is at least cause for some hesitation," said he. "St. Riok was
only two years old when he overcame the dragon. Who says that nine or
ten years later he could have done as much? Remember, father, that the
dragon who is devastating our island has devoured little Elo and four
or five other young boys. Brother Samuel is not go presumptuous as to
believe that at nineteen years of age he is more innocent than they were
at twelve and fourteen.