Hello dragon, said the boy quietly when he had got up to him.

The dragon, on hearing the approaching footsteps, made the beginning of a courteous effort to rise.

But when he saw it was a boy, he set his eyebrows severely. Now don't you hit me, he said, or bung stones or squirt water or anything.

I won't have it, I told you.

"'Not going, ain't you?' said the boy, wearily, dropping on the grass beside the beast.

I've simply looked in to ask you how you were and all that sort of thing.

But if I'm in the way, I can easily clear out.

I've lots of friends, and no one can say I'm in the habit of shoving myself in where I'm not

wanted.

No, no, don't go off in a half, said the dragon hastily.

Fact is, I'm as happy up here as the day is long.

Never without an occupation, dear fellow.

Never without an occupation.

And yet, between ourselves, it is a trifled owl at times.

Drift away with dreams of whimsical fantasy, with the reluctant dragon by Kenneth Graham,

only on Send Me to Sleep Premium.

Kenneth Graham, more famously known for novels such as The Wind in the Willows,

here writes a charming story about a young boy who finds a wise old poetry-loving dragon tucked away in the hills near his home. This story read across two parts exudes all the gentle wit and

humour one can expect from Graham's writing, as well as the beautiful pastoral atmosphere

of the British fairy tale that is so perfect for lulling us into a peaceful night slumber.

If you'd like to listen to this tale, as well as other premium stories, such as Winnie the Pooh,

Sherlock and Mycroft, Grimm's Fairy Tales, and many more, sign up to a seven-day free trial

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