Yet why did he drive my father out?"
And he asked Pelias boldly, "Men say that you are terrible, and a man of
blood; but I find you a kind and hospitable man; and as you are to me,
so will I be to you. Yet why did you drive my father out?"
Pelias smiled and sighed: "Men have slandered me in that, as in all
things. Your father was growing old and weary, and he gave the kingdom
up to me of his own will. You shall see him to-morrow, and ask him; and
he will tell you the same."
Jason's heart leapt in him, when he heard that he was to see his
father; and he believed all that Pelias said, forgetting that his father
might not dare to tell the truth.
"One thing more there is," said Pelias, "on which I need your advice;
for though you are young, I see in you a wisdom beyond your years. There
is one neighbour of mine, whom I dread more than all men on earth. I am
stronger than he now, and can command him; but I know that if he stay
among us, he will work my ruin in the end. Can you give me a plan,
Jason, by which I can rid myself of that man?"
After awhile, Jason answered, half laughing, "Were I you, I would send
him to fetch that same golden fleece; for if he once set forth after it
you would never be troubled with him more."
And at that a bitter smile came across Pelias's lips, and a flash of
wicked joy into his eyes; and Jason saw it, and started; and over his
mind came the warning of the old man, and his own one sandal, and the
oracle, and he saw that he was taken in a trap.
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