can't help thinking. I never supposed I could do so. And it
comes so terribly easy. And I'm not a bit clever when I'm good.
And--oh!" She covered her face and turned away from him.

"Stuff and nonsense!" Geoffrey broke out. "Do be reasonable. Here is a
dragon. Isn't there?"

"Yes."

"And everybody wants to get rid of him?"

"Yes."

"And he's robbing your father?"

"Yes."

"So you're acting for your father's good?"

"Y--yes."

"Then----"

"Now, Geoffrey, all your talking doesn't hide the badness in the least
bit."

She was silent again; then suddenly seemed greatly relieved. "I don't
care," she declared. "Papa locked me up for a whole week, when all I
wanted was to help him and everybody get rid of the Dragon. And I am
too old to be treated so. And now I am just going to pretend there's a
dragon when there's not. Oh, what's that?"

This time it was no sham. Faint and far from the direction of
Oyster-le-Main came the roar of the Dragon of Wantley over fields and
farms.

[Illustration]

CHAPTER VIII

Contains a Dilemma with two simply egregious Horns.

[Illustration]

"Run instantly into the house," said Geoffrey to Elaine, and he
dragged out his sword.

But she stared at him, and nothing further.

"Or no. Stay here and see me kill him," the boy added, pridefully.

"Kill him!" said she, in amazement. "Do you suppose that papa, with
all his experience, couldn't tell it was an imitation dragon? And you
talk of strategy! I have thought much about to-night,--and, Geoffrey,
you must do just the thing that I bid you, and nothing else. Promise."

"I think we'll hear first what your wisdom is," said he, shaking his
head like the sage youth that he was.

"Promise!" she repeated, "else I go away at once, and leave you. Now!
One--two--thrrr----"

"I promise!" he shouted.

"'Sh! Papa's window is just round the tower. Now, sir, you must go
over yonder within those trees."

"Where?"

"There where the snow has dipped the branches low down. And leave me
alone in the cellar with the Dragon."

"With the Dragon? Alone? I did not know you counted me a lunatic,"
replied Geoffrey. Then, after a look over the fields where the storm
was swirling, he gave attention to the point of his sword.

"Where's your promise?" said she. "Will you break your word so soon?"

A big gust of wind flung the snow sharp against their faces.

"Did you expect----" began the youn