* "
The Wing of Dalua" by Hilaire Belloc.
* Story
sans (without) glory: Two men intend to hike from Ariege,
France into Spain by way of the Pyrenees mountains. They leave on
Friday; being experienced, they take a track of their own, intending to
reach Spain on Saturday. Getting lost, they end up in Ariege on Sunday.
* Journal 12
1. Why do you think "Two Men" are capitalized in the opening line of the story?
2. What initially intrigued the hikers about this particular "corner of Europe"?
3. Give five examples of words or phrases that Belloc conjures to draw the reader into the spell of the strange valley.
4. Is this strange world basically benevolent or malevolent? Give examples to support your answer.
5. What natural explanation could account for the strange turn of events?
6. Which classic elements of a fairy tale can you find in this modern story?
7. Find a good example of sentence variety and explain how it serves nicely where it does.
8. Account for the lack of conversation between Belloc and his companion.
9. As they journey into midnight on the second evening of their
journey, they become aware of a "presence of a Third." Who or what is
this Third?
10. Where might such a story or experience be found locally? Explain.
