The day after that they were journeying by a desert, and a greedy lion came out. "Now, Peter," said our Saviour, "you often said that you would lose your life for me, go now and give yourself to the lion, and I shall escape safe."
Peter thought to himself and said, "I would sooner meet any other death than let a lion eat me; we are swift-footed, and we can run from him, but if I see him coming up with us I'll remain behind, and you can escape safe."
"Let it be so," said our Saviour.
The lion gave a roar, and off and away with him after them, and it was not long till he was gaining on them and close up to them.
"Remain behind, Peter," said our Saviour, but Peter let on that he never heard a word, and went running out before his Master. The Lord turned round and said to the lion, "go back to the desert," and so he did.
Peter looked behind him, and when he saw the lion going back, he stood till our Saviour came up with him.
"Peter," said He, "you left me in danger, and—what was worse than that—you told lies."
"I did that," said Peter, "because I knew that you have power over everything, not alone over the lion of the wilderness."
"Silence your mouth, and do not be telling lies; you did not know, and if you were to see me in danger to-morrow you would forsake me again. I know the thoughts of your heart."