its mercy. Bladud's ponderous sword, however,
flashed in the air at that moment, and fell on the creature's neck with
a force that would have made Hercules envious if he had been there.
Deep into the brawn it cut, through muscle, fat, and spine, almost
slicing the head from the trunk, and putting a sudden stop to the last
yell when it reached the windpipe. The boar rolled head over heels like
a shot hare, almost overturning Bladud as it wrenched the sword from his
hand, and swept the captain off his legs, carrying him along with it in
a confusion of blood and bristles.

It was truly a terrific encounter, and as the prince stood observing the
effect of his blow, he would probably have burst into a fit of laughter,
had he not been somewhat solemnised by Captain Arkal's fearful
appearance, as he arose ensanguined, but uninjured, from the ground.

CHAPTER EIGHT.

DISCOVERY AND FLIGHT.

Being now provided with material for making shields, they resolved to
spend a day in camp. This was all the more necessary, that the shoes or
sandals which they had worn at sea were not well suited for the rough
travelling which they had now to undertake.

Accordingly they selected a spot on the brow of a hill from which the
surrounding country could be seen in nearly all directions. But they
were careful also to see that several bushes shielded themselves from
view, for it was a matter of uncertainty whether or where natives might
make their appearance.

Here, bathed in glorious sunshine, with a lovely prospect of land and
water, tangled wood and flowery plains, to gladden their eyes, and the
savoury smell of pork chops and turkey to tickle their nostrils, they
spent two days in manufacturing the various necessary articles. Captain
Arkal provided himself with a new javelin.

Maikar made another bow, and both fabricated tough round shields with
double plies of the boar's hide. Out of the same substance Bladud made
a pair of shoes for each of them.

"The sandals you wear at home," he said, "are not so good as those used
by us in Albion. They don't cover the feet sufficiently, and they
expose the toes too much. Yet our sandals are easily and quickly made.
Look here--I will show you."

His companions paused in their labour and looked on, while the prince
took up an oblong piece of boar-hide, over a foot in length and six
inches broad, which had been soaking in water till it had become quite
soft and limp. Placing one of his