into the forest, and was
about to turn to retrace his steps homeward, when he was surprised to
hear some creature crashing through the woods towards him. It could not
have been startled by himself, else it would have run away from him.
Stepping behind a tree, he strung his bow, called Brownie close to his
heel, and waited. A few seconds later a deer dashed close past him,
but, as his belt was already hung round with game, and home was still
far distant, he did not shoot. Besides, he was curious to know what had
startled the deer. A few minutes revealed that, for suddenly the sound
of footsteps was heard; then the bushes opposite were parted, and a boy,
or youth just emerging from boyhood, ran past him at full speed, with an
arrow sticking through his left sleeve. He was unarmed, and gasped like
one who runs for his life. Catching sight of the prince as he passed
the tree that had concealed him, the boy doubled like a hare, ran up to
Bladud, and, grasping one of his hands, cried--"O! save me!--save me!--
from robbers!" in the most agonising tones.

"That will I, poor lad, if I can."

He had barely time to make this reply when a man burst from the
shrubbery on the other side of the tree, and almost plunged into his
arms. So close was he, and so unexpected the meeting, that the prince
had not time or space to use his bow, but saluted the man's forehead
with such an Olympic crack from his fist, that he fell prone upon the
ground and remained there. Bladud had dropped his bow in the act, but
his club leant handily against the tree. Catching it up, he wheeled
round just in time to face three tall and strong men, with bows in their
hands. Seeing their leader on the ground, they simultaneously
discharged three arrows, which were well aimed, and struck the prince
full on the chest; but they did not penetrate far, for, in anticipation
of some such possible encounter with foes, he had covered his chest with
a breastplate of thick double-ply hide, which effectually checked them.

Before they could draw other arrows Bladud rushed at them with a
terrific shout, hurling his mighty club in advance. The weapon caught
the nearest robber full in the chest and laid him flat on the grass.
The other two, dropping their bows, turned and fled.

"Guard them, Brownie!" cried Bladud, as he followed.

The dog obediently took up a position between the two fallen men, and
eyed them in a way and with an ominous growl, that meant mischi