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.

“Alas!” added the monk, with a groan, “who can boast of being chaste in this world, where everything gives the example and model of love, where all things in nature, animals, and plants, show us the caresses of love and advise us to share them?  Animals are eager to unite in their own fashion, but the various marriages of quadrupeds, birds, fishes, and reptiles are far from equalling in lust the nuptials of the trees.  The greatest extremes of lewdness that the pagans have imagined in their fables are outstripped by the simple flowers of the field, and, if you knew the irregularities of lilies and roses you would take those chalices of impurity, those vases of scandal, away from your altars.”

“Do not speak in this way, Brother Regimental,” answered old Mael.  “Since they are subject to the law of nature, animals and plants are always innocent.  They have no souls to save, whilst man—­”

“You are right,” replied Brother Regimental, “it is quite a different thing.  But do not send young Samuel to the dragon—­the dragon might devour him.  For the last five years Samuel is not in a state to show his innocence to monsters.  In the year of the comet, the Devil in order to seduce him, put in his path a milkmaid, who was lifting up her petticoat to cross a ford.  Samuel was tempted, but he overcame the temptation.  The Devil, who never tires, sent him the image of that young girl in a dream.  The shade did what the reality was unable to accomplish, and Samuel yielded.  When he awoke be moistened his couch with his tears, but alas! repentance did not give him back his innocence.”

As he listened to this story Samuel asked himself how his secret could be known, for he was ignorant that the Devil had borrowed the appearance of Brother Regimental, so as to trouble the hearts of the monks of Alca.