when, however, he saw the strange grim creature with his own eyes, he was no less terrified than the servant had been. with two bounds he sprang out, ran to his neighbours, and begged them imploringly to lend him assistance against an unknown and dangerous beast, or else the whole town might be in danger if it were to break loose out of the barn, where it was shut up. a great noise and clamour arose in all the streets, the townsmen came armed with spears, hay-forks, scythes, and axes, as if they were going out against an enemy; finally, the senators appeared with the burgomaster at their head. when they had drawn up in the market-place, they marched to the barn, and surrounded it on all sides. thereupon one of the most courageous of them stepped forth and entered with his spear lowered, but came running out immediately afterwards with a shriek and as pale as death, and could not utter a single word. yet two others ventured in, but they fared no better. at last one stepped forth; a great strong man who was famous for his warlike deeds, and said, "you will not drive away the monster by merely looking at him; we must be in earnest here, but i see that you have all tuned into women, and not one of you dares to encounter the animal." he ordered them to give him some armour, had a sword and spear brought, and armed himself. all praised his courage, though many feared for his life. the two barn-doors were opened, and they saw the owl, which in the meantime had perched herself on the middle of a great cross-beam.