Moreover , the steam and smoke , and the flames which the Firedrake spouted like foam from his nostrils , would have daunted even the bravest man . The sides of the hill , too , were covered with the blackened ashes of his victims , whom he had roasted when they came out to kill him . The garden-engine of poor little Alphonso was lying in the valley , all broken and useless . But the Firedrake , as happy as a wild duck on a lonely loch , was rolling and diving in the liquid flame , all red-hot and full of frolic . `` Hi ! '' shouted the prince . The Firedrake rose to the surface , his horns as red as a red crescent - moon , only bigger , and lashing the fire with his hoofs and his blazing tail . `` Who 's there ? '' he said in a hoarse , angry voice . `` Just let me get at you ! '' `` It 's me , '' answered the prince . It was the first time he had forgotten his grammar , but he was terribly excited . `` What do you want ? '' grunted the beast . `` I wish I could see you '' ; and , horrible to relate , he rose on a pair of wide , flaming wings , and came right at the prince , guided by the sound of his voice . Now , the prince had never heard that Firedrakes could fly ; indeed , he had never believed in them at all , till the night before . For a moment he was numb with terror ; then he flew down like a stone to the very bottom of the hill , and shouted : `` Hi ! '' `` Well , '' grunted the Firedrake , `` what 's the matter ? Why ca n't you give a civil answer to a civil question ? '' `` Will you go back to your hole and swear , on your honour as a Firedrake , to listen quietly ? ''
`` On my sacred word XXXXX honour , '' said the beast , casually scorching an eagle that flew by into ashes .
as at by in like of that till to with