When the valiant knight had killed the giant, the raven croaked from a
tree near by:
"You saved me from the eagle, and I in turn have saved you from the
giant."
Charming cut off the head of the giant, and carried it back with him
to the Princess. Then the people shouted until they were hoarse, and
welcomed him as a great hero.
"Your enemy is dead," Charming told the Princess. "Will you now make
my master the happiest of kings?"
"There is," replied the reluctant Princess, "some water which gives
eternal health and beauty to those who drink it. I would regret to
leave my kingdom without possessing some of it; but no one has dared
to brave the two dragons that guard the cavern where the fountain is
to be found."
"You do not need the water, Princess; but my life is yours to
command," gallantly replied Charming; and he set out at once on the
perilous mission.
When he came to the mouth of the cavern, black smoke issued forth; and
presently he perceived the terrible form of a dragon, from whose
mouth and eyes fire was darting. Bidding good-by to faithful Frisk, he
grasped his sword in one hand and the crystal flask which the Princess
had given him in the other. Just then he heard his name called twice,
and, looking back, he saw an owl flying toward him.
Pages:
431
432
433
434
435
436
437
438
439
440
441
442
443
444
445
446
447
448
449
450
451
452
453
454
455