cloud containing fire instead of rain burst overhead, and all the little
griffins would certainly have been killed had not Paul spread his
cloak over the nest and saved them. When their father returned the
young ones told him what Paul had done, and he lost no time in
flying after Paul, and asking how he could reward him for his
goodness.

'By carrying me up to the earth,' answered Paul; and the griffin
agreed, but first went to get some food to eat on the way, as it was
a long journey.

'Now get on my back,' he said to Paul, 'and when I turn my head to
the right, cut a slice off the bullock that hangs on that side, and put
it in my mouth, and when I turn my head to the left, draw a cupful
of wine from the cask that hangs on that side, and pour it down my
throat.'

For three days and three nights Paul and the griffin flew upwards,
and on the fourth morning it touched the ground just outside the
city where Paul's friends had gone to live. Then Paul thanked him
and bade him farewell, and he returned home again.

At first Paul was too tired to do anything but sleep, but as soon as
he was rested he started off in search of the three faithless ones,
who almost died from fright at the sight of him, for they had
thought he would never come back to reproach them for their
wickedness.

'You know what to expect,' Paul said to them quietly. 'You shall
never see me again. Off with you!' He next took the three apples