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 that there is an immense deal of learning and wisdom in his head , although it happens to be set on a horse 's body . It gives me great delight to see one of his scholars at my court . But to test how much you have profited under so excellent a teacher , will you allow me to ask you a single question ? '' `` I do not pretend to be very wise , '' said Jason . `` But ask me what you please , and I will answer to the best of my ability . '' Now King Pelias meant cunningly to entrap the young man , and to make him say something that should be the cause of mischief and distraction to himself . So , with a crafty and evil smile upon his face , he spoke as follows : `` What would you do , brave Jason , '' asked he , `` if there were a man in the world , by whom , as you had reason to believe , you were doomed to be ruined and slain -- what would you do , I say , if that man stood before you , and in your power ? '' When Jason saw the malice and wickedness which King Pelias could not prevent from gleaming out of his eyes , he probably guessed that the king had discovered what he came for , and that he intended to turn his own words against himself . Still he scorned to tell a falsehood . Like an upright and honorable prince as he was , he determined to speak out the real truth .
Since the king had chosen to ask him the question , and since Jason had promised him an answer , there was no right way save to tell him precisely what would be the most prudent thing to do , XXXXX he had his worst enemy in his power .
On although at by for if since that unless upon