"It will not be long," they exclaimed, "before the autumnal equinox ishere, and then that monster will want to eat. He will be dreadfullyhungry, for he has taken so much exercise since his last meal. Hewill devour our kidren. Without doubt, he will eat them all. Whatis to be done?"

To this question no one could give an answer, but all agreed that theGriffin must not be allowed to remain until the approaching equinox.After talking over the matter a great deal, a crowd of the peoplewent to the Minor Canon, at a time when the Griffin was not with him.

"It is all your fault," they exclaimed, "that that monster is among us.You brought him here, and you ought to look at that he goes away. It isonly on your account that he stays here at all, for, although hevisits his image every day, he is with you the greater part of thetime. If you were not here, he would not stay. It is your duty to goaway and then he will follow you, and we shall be free from thedreadful danger which hangs over us."

"Go away!" cried the Minor Canon, greatly grieved at being spoken toin such a way. "Where shall I go? If I go to some other city, shall Inot take this trouble there? Have I a right to do that?"

"No," exclaimed the people, "you must not go to any other town. There isno town far enough away. You must go to the dreadful wilds where theGriffin lives; and then he will follow you and stay there."