about the difficult new task which Goldenlocks had given him. "Never you worry, Master," he said cheerfully. "If you will but attack the monster I will bark and bite at his heels until he won't know what he is doing. He will be so confused that I know you will be able to conquer him."
Charming rode up to the giant's castle boldly enough. He knew the monster was coming toward him, because he could hear the crash of trees which broke under the huge feet. Then he heard a voice roaring like thunder:
"Poof, woof, clear the way!
Bing, bang, 'tis to-day!
Zip, zook, I must slay!
Whizz, fizz, the King's pet, Charming!
Pish, tush, isn't it alarming!"
Charming trembled, and he could feel the cold perspiration stand out on his brow. But he took a deep breath, and shouted as loud as he could (which was not nearly as loud as the giant could):
"Galifron, take warning,
For your day is ending.
Prepare to find that Charming
Is really quite alarming!"
Galifron was so high above Charming that he had to hunt quite hard before he could discover who was saying these words. When he saw the little fellow standing ready to fight him he laughed, and yet he was angry. He lifted his great club and would have knocked the life out of Charming in a trice, but suddenly he could not see. He roared with pain, for a raven had plucked out his eyes. Galifron beat wildly in the air, trying to protect himself from the bird; meanwhile Charming seized his opportunity, and it was only a moment until Galifron lay at Charming's feet. Only Galifron was so big that Charming had to stand on top of him in order to make sure that he was really dead.
To the Princess, Charming rode back as fast as his horse could carry him. In front of him, on his saddle, he carried the giant's head. The Princess was taking her afternoon nap, when she was awakened by loud shouts of "Hail, Charming! Hail, conqueror of hideous Galifron!"
Goldenlocks could scarcely believe her ears. She rushed to the front of the palace, and sure enough, there she was greeted by Charming, bearing her enemy's head.
It seemed as if such a feat of daring should have been enough to satisfy even Goldenlocks.
"Now, fair Princess, will you not return with me to my King?"
"Charming, I cannot," said the Princess; and to Charming her words sounded like the stroke of doom. "Before I marry I must have some water from the spring of eternal youth. This spring is at the bottom of Gloomy Cavern--a great cave not far from here, which is guarded by two fierce dragons. If I have a flask from that spring I shall always remain young and beautiful. I should never dare to marry without its protection."
"Beautiful Goldenlocks, you could never be anything but young and beautiful; but I will nonetheless try to fulfill your mission."
Even though Charming had 

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