The night before the day he had fixed for the adventure Gofaster went to the house of Hepsone, where he slept. Before retiring he sent for a pot of honey, which was brought him.
THE DRAGON MAKES FOR THE POT OF HONEY.
The next morning, with the honey and a large dish, he went from the hut of Hepsone in search of the herb called truth. It was soon obtained, for he who seeks truth earnestly can always find it. Gathering a quantity, he mixed it thoroughly with the honey; and then, still under the Phooka's direction, travelled to a spot at no great distance from the reservoir, where he placed the great dish on the ground, poured into it the contents of the jar, and retreated to a safe distance, where from a grove he could observe events. He had not long to wait. He heard a peculiar sound, which satisfied him that the great beast had scented the honey and would proceed in search of it. Standing behind a tree, he saw the animal emerge into an open space, and was struck with something like fear when he beheld its immense size. This was not unmixed with admiration. The body of the animal as it appeared approaching through the trees was covered with glittering scales, which flashed in the sunlight at every motion. It hurried eagerly to the honey, which it lapped up with its tongue, after the manner of the dog, until he had entirely cleaned the dish of its contents, swallowing at the same time the herb. He stood with what appeared to be an air of satisfaction for some time, glancing around, so that Gofaster was obliged to hide himself still more effectually behind the trunk, lest he might be seen.
After a while a noise as of some one beating the earth furiously caused the giant to peer cautiously from one side of his hiding-place. There he beheld the dragon making the most terrible contortions, beating the ground with his long and massive tail, and apparently suffering great agony. This continued for some time; then the motion of the beast became weaker, and finally, with a terrific roar, it lay over on its back and became perfectly motionless.
"It may not be dead," said Gofaster, "and I had better wait."
"Slander is dead!" said the voice of the Phooka. "Truth has killed him. You may advance without fear and cut off his head."
"Why should I do that?" said the giant.
"Simply as an evidence of your exploit; otherwise your friend Count Snarlitz might not be convinced. Beware of the Count."
"I have seen enough to make me do that already," replied Gofaster.