s after vast
exertions and rescued his frightened squire.

"If you had done as I told you this would not have happened," he
observed, as he freed him from the thick masses of sinew which
surrounded his body. "Oh, De Fistycuff, remember to do right and what
you are bid by those who know best what is for your good, and then don't
fear the consequences; but never stand gazing at what is bad or
dangerous, and fancy that you run no risk of being drawn into the snare
laid for you!"

The Squire listened respectfully to his master's lecture, and then
followed him at a humble distance, resolving to profit by his advice.

Night with her sable wings was about to overspread the earth, and the
tall woods resounded with strangest cries, and shrieks, and hisses of
the wonderful wild animals which roamed through them, when the Knight
thought it high time to look about for some place of shelter, where,
free from their attacks, he and his squire might repose till the return
of the rosy dawn would enable them to discern their foes, and face them
bravely.

A large rock appeared before them. Within it was a cave with a rude
porch in front. In this rough habitation dwelt a hermit, whose voice
they heard bewailing the sad fate to which his country was doomed. The
Knight entered; a lamp stood on a table in the centre of the cave. The
hermit rose from his couch and welcomed Saint George and De Fistycuff.
He was a venerable man, with a long beard of silvery whiteness; and as
he tottered forward he seemed bowed almost to the ground with the weight
of years.

"Gladly will I afford you shelter and such food as my cell can furnish,
most gallant Knight," he said; and, suiting the action to the word, he
placed a variety of provisions on the table. "I need not inquire to
what country you belong, for I see by the arms of England engraven on
your burgonet whence you come. I know the knights of that land are
brave and gallant, and ready to do battle in aid of the distressed.
Here, then, you will find an opportunity for distinguishing yourself by
a deed which will make your name renowned throughout the world."

Saint George pricked up his ears at this, and eagerly inquired what it
was. "This, you must understand, most noble Knight, is the renowned
territory of Bagabornabou, second to none in the world in importance in
the opinion of its inhabitants. None was so prosperous, none so
flourishing, when a most horrible misfortune befell the land