"Oh," said David. "Do you mean--are you going to give me--lessons?" Through his mind flashed a picture of the Phoenix (with spectacles on its beak and a ruler in its wing) writing out sentences on a blackboard. The thought gave him a sinking feeling. After all, it was summer--and summer was supposed to be vacation time. "And what an education it will be!" the Phoenix went on, ignoring his question. "Absolutely without equal! The full benefit of my vast knowledge, plus a number of trips to--" "Oh, _traveling_!" said David, suddenly feeling much better. "That's different. Oh, Phoenix, that'll be wonderful! Where will we go?" "Everywhere, my boy!" said the Phoenix, with an airy wave of its wing. "To all corners of the earth. We shall visit my friends and acquaintances." "Oh, do you have--" "Of course, my boy! I am nothing if not a good mixer. My acquaintances (to mention but a few) include Fauns, Dragons, Unicorns, Trolls, Gryffins, Gryffons, Gryffens--" "Excuse me," David interrupted. "What were those last three, please?" "Gryffins," explained the Phoenix, "are the small, reddish, friendly ones. Gryffons are the quick-tempered proud ones. Gryffens--ah, well, the most anyone can say for them is that they are harmless. They are very stupid." "I see," said David doubtfully. "What do they look like?" "Each looks like the others, my boy, except that some are bigger and some are smaller. But to continue: Sea Monsters, Leprechauns, Rocs, Gnomes, Elves, Basilisks, Nymphs--ah--and many others. All are of the Better Sort, since, as I have many times truly observed, one is known by the company one keeps. And your education will cost you nothing. Of course it _would_ be agreeable if you could supply me with cookies from time to time." "As many as you want, Phoenix. Will we go to Africa?" "Naturally, my boy. Your education will include--" "And Egypt? And China? And Arabia?" "Yes. Your education will--" "Oh, Phoenix, Phoenix!" David jumped up and began to caper, while the Phoenix beamed. But suddenly he stopped. "How are we going to travel, Phoenix?" "I have wings, my boy." "Yes, but I don't." "Do not be so dense, my dear fellow. I shall carry you on my back, of course." "Oh," said David weakly, "on your--on your back. Are you sure that--isn't there some other--I mean, can you do it?" The Phoenix drew itself up to its full height. "I am hurt--yes, deeply hurt--by your lack of faith. My magnificent build should make it evident that I am an exceedingly powerful flyer. In the heyday of my youth I could fly around the world in five hours. But come along. I shall give you proof positive." David reluctantly followed the Phoenix to a spot on the edge of the shelf where there was a gap in the bushes. He glanced over the brink. The sheer face of the scarp fell away beneath them, plunging down to the tiny trees and rocks below. He stepped back quickly with a shudder. "Let's--let's do it tomorrow," he quavered.