PRINCE RICARDO. 197

 

his head, he went on just as before, only without
it; and so about everything else. By dint of
magic, he could put his head on again, just as
if it had been his hat, if you gave him time
enough. On the last occasion of their meeting,
Ricardo had left him in a painfully scattered
condition, and thought he was done for. But
now, except that a bird had flown away with
the little finger of his left hand and one of his -
ears, the Giant was as comfortable as anyone
could be in his situation.

“‘ Mornin’ sir,” he said to Dick, touching his
forehead with his hand. ‘Glad to see you
looking so well. .No bad feeling, I hope, on
either side ?”’

‘“None on mine, certainly,” said Ricardo,
holding out his hand, which the Giant took and
shook; “‘but Duty is Duty, and giants must go.
The modern world has no room for them.”

““That’s hearty,” said the Giant; “I like a
fellow of your kind. Now, shall we toss for
corners ?”

“All right!” said Dick, calling ‘‘ Heads,”
and winning. He took the corner with the sun
on his back and in the Giant’s face. To it they
went, the Giant aiming a blow with his club
that would have felled an elephant.

Dick dodged, and cut off the Giant’s feet at
the ankles.

“First blood for the prince!” said the Giant,
coming up smiling. ‘‘ Half-minute time!”