till they came up to two large beasts of prey.

Now Great-heart was a strong man, so he had no fear; but their
fierce looks made the boys start, and they all clung round
Great-heart.

How now, my boys! You march on first, as brave as can be, when
there is no cause for fear; but when a test of your strength
comes, you shrink.

Now when Great-heart drew his sword to force a way, there came up
one Giant Grim, who said in a gruff voice, What right have you to
come here?

Great-heart:--These folk are on their way to The Celestial City,
and this is the road they shall go, in spite of thee and the wild
beasts.

Grim:--This is not their way, nor shall they go on it. I am come
forth to stop them, and to that end will back the wild beasts.

Now, to say the truth, so fierce were these beasts, and so grim
the looks of them that the road was grown with weeds and grass
from want of use. And still Grim bade them turn, For, said he,
you shall not pass.

But their guide came up, and struck so hard at him with his sword
as to force him to fall back.

Giant Grim:--Will you slay me on my own ground?