job; "this one isn't Saint George, is it?"

"No, no!" exclaimed the king, irritably; "it's Prince Marvel. Do get
to work as soon as possible."

"Prince Marvel--Prince Marvel," repeated the Dragon. "Why, there
isn't a prince in the whole world named Marvel! I'm pretty well
posted on the history of royal families, you know. I'm afraid he's
Saint George in disguise."

"Isn't your name Prince Marvel?" inquired the king, turning to the
boyish-looking stranger.

"It is," answered Marvel.

"Well, it's mighty strange I've never heard of you," persisted the
Dragon. "But tell me, please, how would you prefer to be killed?"

"Oh, I'm not going to be killed at all," replied the prince, laughing.

"Do you hear that, Terribus?" asked the Dragon, turning to the king;
"he says he isn't going to be killed."

"But I say he is!" cried Terribus. "I have decreed his death."

"But do you suppose I'm going to kill a man against his will?"
inquired the Dragon, in a reproachful voice; "and such a small man,
too! Do you take me for a common assassin--or a murderer?"

"Do you intend to obey my orders?" roared the king.