On he came, a horror indeed, but I did not flinch.

Endurance must conquer, where force could not reach.

He came nearer and nearer, till the ghastly face was close to mine.

A shudder as of death ran through me; but I think I did not move, for he seemed to quail, and retreated.

As soon as he gave back, I struck one more sturdy blow on the stem of his tree, that the forest rang; and then looked at him again.