THE LITTLE GRAY MAN’S DECISION. 235

The hill shook under the heavy blow, and
in a moment Rockroller’s huge rock came
crashing against it with such violence that
the earth shook and the wall gave way percep-
tibly.

“Ply thy club, Twigtwister, and do thou
hurl another of thy bowlders,” ordered the giant
king. “A few more such blows and the dwarfs
are ours.”

Once more the giant Twigtwister’s club
battered against the rocky door, and again
came Rockroller’s stone against it, and with
a loud report down came the rocky door,
shattered to fragments. Within were seen a
crowd of terrified gnomes huddled together,
and at the sight of them the giants rent the
air with shouts of victory.

“Twist their heads off! Toss them into
yonder ocean!” cried the giants furiously as
they made a rush for their victims.

“Stop! Stir not one foot!” cried a voice
that caused the giants to stand as if rooted to
the spot. With one accord they turned their
eyes toward the voice, and beheld the little
man in gray standing behind them on the
crest of the hill.