the others, came out to meet Greatheart and his company. The name of this giant was Maul, and he had slain many pilgrims through his cunning.
"Hello, Greatheart!" he cried. "How many times have you been forbidden to do those things?"
"What things?" asked Greatheart.
"You know what things: but I will put an end to your trade," roared the giant.
"Well," said Greatheart, "before we begin to fight, let us know what it is about."
Now the women and children stood trembling in the roadway, and knew not what to do. But Greatheart stood before them with his sword drawn. "Explain your words," he said to the giant.
"You rob the country," said Maul. "You rob it in the very worst way, and I have come out to punish you."
"Come, fellow," answered Greatheart, "speak plainly, and say what you mean."
"Well, then," said Maul, "you are a kidnapper. You kidnap women and children and take them into a strange country, as you are doing now."
But Greatheart answered, "It is false. I serve my master by protecting the weak, by lifting up those who
