against his opponent's breast.

"Hold!" cried the king, starting to his feet. "Would you slay my
Fool-Killer? Think of the harm you would do the world!"

"But he is laggard and unfaithful to his calling!" answered the
prince, sternly.

"Nevertheless, if he remove but one fool a year he is a benefit to
mankind," declared the king. "Release him, I pray you!"

Then the victor withdrew his sword and stood aside, while the
Fool-Killer slowly got upon his feet and bowed humbly before the king.

"Go!" shouted Terribus, his eye flashing angrily. "You have
humiliated me before my enemy. As an atonement see that you kill me a
fool a day for sixty days."

Hearing this command, many of the people about the throne began to
tremble; but the king paid no attention to their fears, and the
Fool-Killer bowed again before his master and withdrew from the chamber.



9. The Royal Dragon of Spor


"Now," said Terribus, regarding the prince gloomily, "I must dispose
of you in another way."