But even granting , for the sake of argument , that there is a Firedrake , your majesty is well aware that there is no kind of use in sending me . It is always the eldest son who goes out first and comes to grief on these occasions , and it is always the third son that succeeds . Send Alphonso '' -LRB- this was the youngest brother -RRB- , `` and he will do the trick at once . At least , if he fails , it will be most unusual , and Enrico can try his luck . '' Then he went back to his arithmetic and his slate , and the king had to send for Prince Alphonso and Prince Enrico . They both came in very warm ; for they had been whipping tops , and the day was unusually hot . `` Look here , '' said the king , `` just you two younger ones look at Prigio ! You see how hot it is , and how coolly he takes it , and the country suffering ; and all on account of a Firedrake , you know , which has apparently built his nest not far off . Well , I have asked that lout of a brother of yours to kill it , and he says -- '' `` That he does not believe in Firedrakes , '' interrupted Prigio . `` The weather 's warm enough without going out hunting ! '' `` Not believe in Firedrakes ! '' cried Alphonso . `` I wonder what you do believe in ! Just let me get at the creature ! '' for he was as brave as a lion . `` Hi ! Page , my chain-armour , helmet , lance , and buckler ! A Molinda ! A Molinda ! '' which was his war-cry .
The page ran XXXXX get the armour ; but it was so uncommonly hot that he dropped it , and put his fingers in his mouth , crying !
Enrico Firedrake at for if in of that to without