The band of fierce men who had believed they were carrying off a prince, would think nothing of running him through with their swords when they discovered how they had been tricked, and that by a mere child.

Paul set his teeth hard and braced himself up for the task he had set himself.

He knew his peril-he realized it too; but he was a soldier's son, and had he not said he would live and die for the prince?
Would he ever be worthy of the knighthood every lad looked forward to as the goal of his ambition, if he shrank now from the task he had set himself?
Hardly had that resolution been taken before there sprang out from the thick underwood two or three fierce-looking men, armed to the teeth.
"Ha, my young springal! well met, in sooth," cried the foremost of the band, laying a firm hand upon the boy's shoulder.

"We have been looking long for you.
"To horse, brave fellows! we have our prize.

We may not linger here." "Hands off, varlet!" cried Paul, throwing himself into the character of prince with great energy and goodwill.