Elmer and the Dragon

Elmer follows a path that winds along the edge of the cliff. He reaches a ladder and climbs it. At the top, he is surprised to see neat rows of pine trees and realizes that someone must have planted them long ago.

As Elmer explores, he finds an old apple orchard and a brook of clean water. He is excited to find skunk cabbage, one of the dragon’s favorite foods, by the brook. He brings a bucket of water and skunk cabbage to the edge of the cliff and gives it to the dragon. Feeling better, the dragon promises Elmer that he will get him home.

While resting on the island with the dragon, Elmer is surprised to see Flute, his old pet canary. Flute explains that years ago, when he escaped Elmer’s house, he flew to this island—“Feather Island”—where all escaped canaries live. Once Elmer and the dragon tell the canary that the dragon will not eat them, many birds come out and begin chirping.

Flute reveals that he is suffering from the “island disease” and that King Can, the King of the canaries, is dying of the illness.