And that was how we dealt with the Winged Hats that winter . ` Early in the spring , when the East winds blow like skinning-knives , they gathered again off Segedunum with many ships . Allo told me they would never rest till they had taken a tower in open fight . Certainly they fought in the open . We dealt with them thoroughly through a long day : and when all was finished , one man dived clear of the wreckage of his ship , and swam towards shore . I waited , and a wave tumbled him at my feet . ` As I stooped , I saw he wore such a medal as I wear . ' Parnesius raised his hand to his neck . ` Therefore , when he could speak , I addressed him a certain Question which can only be answered in a certain manner . He answered with the necessary Word -- the Word that belongs to the Degree of Gryphons in the science of Mithras my God . I put my shield over him till he could stand up . You see I am not short , but he was a head taller than I . He said : `` What now ? '' I said : `` At your pleasure , my brother , to stay or go . '' ` He looked out across the surf . There remained one ship unhurt , beyond range of our catapults . I checked the catapults and he waved her in . She came as a hound comes to a master . When she was yet a hundred paces from the beach , he flung back his hair , and swam out . They hauled him in , and went away .
I knew that those who worship XXXXX are many and of all races , so I did not think much more upon the matter . '
Allo Gryphons Mithras Parnesius Segedunum day feet shield skinning-knives winter