The cock turned round slowly and, fixing its green eye upon George, asked: "Who calls?"
"A friend!" George thought this was quite the right thing to say. It was the answer to the sentry's "Who goes there?" He felt that as he was squire to a knight it was as good as being a soldier.
The cock went on turning. At last: "You're George, aren't you?" he said.
"Yes," replied George. "I met your brother not so long ago. He lives close by my house in the wood."
"Ah!" said the cock, and went on turning and turning.
"I hope he won't be long," thought George. "He doesn't seem as nice as my friend."
"What do you want?" said a voice in his ear.
He gave a jump, for there was the cock standing by his side.
"I suppose you want the password? She brought you here, so it will be all right. I must whisper it—nobody but you may hear it." The cock turned, whispered in George's ear, and before you could wink an eyelid was back on top of the castle.