`` They are three very strange old ladies , '' said Quicksilver , laughing . `` They have but one eye among them , and only one tooth . Moreover , you must find them out by starlight , or in the dusk of the evening ; for they never show themselves by the light either of the sun or moon . '' `` But , '' said Perseus , `` why should I waste my time with these Three Gray Women ? Would it not be better to set out at once in search of the terrible Gorgons ? '' `` No , no , '' answered his friend . `` There are other things to be done , before you can find your way to the Gorgons . There is nothing for it but to hunt up these old ladies ; and when we meet with them , you may be sure that the Gorgons are not a great way off . Come , let us be stirring ! '' Perseus , by this time , felt so much confidence in his companion 's sagacity , that he made no more objections , and professed himself ready to begin the adventure immediately . They accordingly set out , and walked at a pretty brisk pace ; so brisk , indeed , that Perseus found it rather difficult to keep up with his nimble friend Quicksilver . To say the truth , he had a singular idea that Quicksilver was furnished with a pair of winged shoes , which , of course , helped him along marvellously . And then , too , when Perseus looked sideways at him , out of the corner of his eye , he seemed to see wings on the side of his head ; although , if he turned a full gaze , there were no such things to be perceived , but only an odd kind of cap . But , at all events , the twisted staff was evidently a great convenience to Quicksilver , and enabled him to proceed so fast , that Perseus , though a remarkably active young man , began to be out of breath . `` Here ! '' cried Quicksilver , at last , -- for he knew well enough , rogue that he was , how hard Perseus found it to keep pace with him , -- `` take you the staff , for you need it a great deal more than I. Are there no better walkers than yourself , in the island of Seriphus ? '' `` I could walk pretty well , '' said Perseus , glancing slyly at his companion 's feet , `` if I had only a pair of winged shoes . '' `` We must see about getting you a pair , '' answered Quicksilver . But the staff helped Perseus along so bravely , that he no longer felt the slightest weariness . In fact , the stick seemed to be alive in his hand , and to lend some of its life to Perseus .
He and Quicksilver now walked onward at their ease , talking very sociably together ; and Quicksilver told so many pleasant stories XXXXX his former adventures , and how well his wits had served him on various occasions , that Perseus began to think him a very wonderful person .
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