Part 3 (1/2)
”There you are!” cried the Phoenix ”You do not have a true, practical education--you are not ready for Life I,to take your education in hand”
”Oh,” said David ”Do you h his mind flashed a picture of the Phoenix (with spectacles on its beak and a ruler in its wing) writing out sentences on a blackboard The thought gave hi After all, it was summer--and summer was supposed to be vacation time
”And what an education it will be!” the Phoenix went on, ignoring his question ”Absolutely without equal! The full benefit of e, plus a nu_!” said David, suddenly feeling much better ”That's different Oh, Phoenix, that'll be wonderful! Where e go?”
”Everywhere,
”To all corners of the earth We shall visit my friends and acquaintances”
”Oh, do you have--”
”Of course, ood mixer My acquaintances (to ons, Unicorns, Trolls, Gryffins, Gryffons, Gryffens--”
”Excuse me,” David interrupted ”What were those last three, please?”
”Gryffins,” explained the Phoenix, ”are the small, reddish, friendly ones Gryffons are the quick-tempered proud ones Gryffens--ah, well, the most anyone can say for them is that they are harmless They are very stupid”
”I see,” said David doubtfully ”What do they look like?”
”Each looks like the others, er and some are smaller But to continue: Sea Monsters, Leprechauns, Rocs, Gnomes, Elves, Basilisks, Nymphs--ah--and many others All are of the Better Sort, since, as I have many times truly observed, one is known by the co Of course it _would_ be agreeable if you could supply me with cookies from tio to Africa?”
”Naturally, ypt? And China? And Arabia?”
”Yes Your education will--”
”Oh, Phoenix, Phoenix!” David juan to caper, while the Phoenix bea to travel, Phoenix?”
”I have wings, my boy”
”Yes, but I don't”
”Do not be so dense, my dear fellow I shall carry you on my back, of course”
”Oh,” said David weakly, ”on your--on your back Are you sure that--isn't there some other--I mean, can you do it?”
The Phoenix drew itself up to its full height ”I anificent build should ly powerful flyer In the heyday of my youth I could fly around the world in five hours But coive you proof positive”
David reluctantly followed the Phoenix to a spot on the edge of the shelf where there was a gap in the bushes He glanced over the brink
The sheer face of the scarp fell away beneath the down to the tiny trees and rocks below He stepped back quickly with a shudder