THE RED DRAGON

"it is a matter of coming to an agreement quickly. You want to go to the Black Hole?"
"Yes!"
"And take the treasure of André?"
"If it is possible."
"It will be possible if you carry out everything I am going to indicate to you well."
"I will do everything."
"And you will do well, for, think on it: to fail in even one of my conditions is to lose the fortune you desire and perhaps expose your life."

Claude did not answer. He began to tremble. Yet he steadied himself, strengthened by his initial resolve.

"Tell me anyway, Father Simounen," he replied after a short silence.

The sorcerer left his seat and took from the mantelpiece a small book printed in red which he opened with a solemn air.

"What is this book?" asked Claude Michu.
"This book, my son, is the Red Dragon; it is the treasure of science; it is the sorcerer's code. Therein are found the great conjurations that make the spirits obedient."

Claude Michu opened his eyes wide. Simounen continued.

"It is from this book that we are going to draw the invocation that must open the abysses of the Black Hole for you."
"A wand is also needed, is it not, Master Simounen?"

"Many sorcerers use a wand, or a thunder-striking rod original: "verge foudroyante"; but I do not act in this way. The wand is good at most for discovering springs; for treasures, something else is needed."
"What is needed then?"
"A donkey's head, my son!"