Then the warriors, returning, gave proof that they had indeed done
something more than kick the wind, for they were covered with blood,
and their legs were stuck full of large pines, with here and there an
oak or hemlock, for the fight had been in a forest; so that they had
been as much troubled as men would be with thistles, nettles, and pine
splinters, which is truly often a great trouble. But this was their
least trial, for, as they told their chief, the enemy had well-nigh
made Jack Drum's entertainment for them, and led them the devil's
dance, had not one of them, by good luck, opened his eye for him with a
rock which drove it into his brain. And as it was, the chiefs youngest
son had been so mauled that, coming home, he fell dead just before his
father's door. Truly this might have been deemed almost an accident in
some families; but lo! what a good thing it is to have an enchanter in
the house, especially one who knows his business, as did the old chief,
who, going out, asked the young man why he was lying there. To which he
replying that it was because he was dead, his father bade him rise and
walk, which he did straight to the supper table, and ate none the less
for it.
Now the old chief, thinking that perhaps, his dear little people found
life dull and devoid of incident with him, asked them if they were
aweary of him.
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