should live no longer than a brand that was then burning on the hearth.
Horror inspired the mother. Quick as a thought she seized the brand,
put out the flame, and laid it by in some safe and secret place where
no harm could touch it. So the child gathered strength and grew up to
manhood.

He was a mighty hunter, and the other heroes came gladly to bear him
company. Many of the Argonauts were there,--Jason, Theseus, Nestor,
even Atalanta, that valorous maiden who had joined the rowers of the
Argo, a beloved charge of Diana. Boyish in her boldness for wild
sports, she was fleet of foot and very lovely to behold, altogether a
bride for a princely hunter. So Meleager thought, the moment that he
saw her face.

Together they all set out for the lair of the boar, the heroes and the
men of Calydon,--Meleager and his two uncles. Phlexippus and Toxeus,
brothers of Queen Althea.

All was ready. Nets were stretched from tree to tree, and the dogs were
let loose. The heroes lay in wait. Suddenly the monster, startled by
the shouts of the company, rose hideous and unwieldy from his
hiding-place and rushed upon them. What were hounds to such as he, or
nets spread for a snare? Jason's spear missed and fell. Nestor only
saved his life by climbing the nearest tree. Several of the heroes were
gored by the tusks of the boar before they could make their escape. In
the midst of this horrible tumult, Atalanta sped an arrow at the
creature and wounded him. Meleager saw it with joy, and called upon the
others to follow. One by one they tried without success, but he, after
one false thrust, drove his spear into the side of the monster and laid
him dead.