`` Your majesty must blame the rudeness of your subjects , who have raised all this tumult because one of my feet happens to be bare . '' When Jason said this , the king gave a quick startled glance down at his feet . `` Ha ! '' muttered he , `` here is the one-sandaled fellow , sure enough ! What can I do with him ? '' And he clutched more closely the great knife in his hand , as if he were half a mind to slay Jason , instead of the black bull . The people round about caught up the king 's words , indistinctly as they were uttered ; and first there was a murmur amongst them , and then a loud shout . `` The one-sandaled man has come ! The prophecy must be fulfilled ! '' For you are to know , that , many years before , King Pelias had been told by the Speaking Oak of Dodona , that a man with one sandal should cast him down from his throne . On this account , he had given strict orders that nobody should ever come into his presence , unless both sandals were securely tied upon his feet ; and he kept an officer in his palace , whose sole business it was to examine people 's sandals , and to supply them with a new pair , at the expense of the royal treasury , as soon as the old ones began to wear out . In the whole course of the king 's reign , he had never been thrown into such a fright and agitation as by the spectacle of poor Jason 's bare foot . But , as he was naturally a bold and hard-hearted man , he soon took courage , and began to consider in what way he might rid himself of this terrible one-sandaled stranger . `` My good young man , '' said King Pelias , taking the softest tone imaginable , in order to throw Jason off his guard , `` you are excessively welcome to my kingdom . Judging by your dress , you must have traveled a long distance , for it is not the fashion to wear leopard skins in this part of the world . Pray what may I call your name ? and where did you receive your education ? '' `` My name is Jason , '' answered the young stranger . `` Ever since my infancy , I have dwelt in the cave of Chiron the Centaur . He was my instructor , and taught me music , and horsemanship , and how to cure wounds , and likewise how to inflict wounds with my weapons ! ''
`` I have heard of Chiron the schoolmaster , '' replied King Pelias , `` and how XXXXX there is an immense deal of learning and wisdom in his head , although it happens to be set on a horse 's body .
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