There was one thing, however, which threw a cloud over the rejoicing with which the conquerors hailed this memorable victory.

 

Gunrig’s wound turned out to be a very severe one—much more so than had been at first supposed—for the arrow had penetrated one of his lungs, and, breaking off, had left the head in it.

 

As Bladud was the only one of the host who possessed any knowledge of how to treat complicated wounds, he was “called in,” much against the wish of the wounded man; but when the prince had seen and spoken to him, in his peculiarly soft voice, and with his gentle manner, besides affording him considerable relief, the chief became reconciled to his new doctor.

 

“I thought you a savage monster,” said the invalid, on the occasion of the amateur doctor’s third visit; “but I find you to be almost as tender as a woman. Yet your hand was heavy enough when it felled me at the games!”

 

“Let not your mind dwell on that, Gunrig; and, truth to tell, if it had not been for that lucky—or, if you choose, unlucky—blow, I might have found you more than my match.”

 

The chief held out his hand, which the doctor grasped.

 

“I thought to kill you, Bladud; but when I get well, we shall be friends.”

 

Poor Gunrig, however, did not from that day show much evidence of getting well. His case was far beyond the skill of his amateur doctor. It was, therefore, resolved, a day or two later, to send him home under an escort led by Beniah.

 

“I will follow you ere long,” said Gadarn, as he grasped the hand of the invalid at parting, “for I have business at the court of King Hudibras.”

 

Gunrig raised himself in the litter in which he was borne by four men, and looked the northern chief earnestly in the face.

 

“You have not yet found your daughter?” he asked.

 

“Well—no. At least not exactly.”

 

“Not exactly!” repeated Gunrig in surprise.

 

“No; not exactly. That’s all I can say at present. All ready in front there? Move on! My greetings to the king, and say I shall see him soon. What, ho! Konar, come hither! Know you where I can find Prince Bladud?”

 

“In his booth,” replied the hunter.

 

“Send him to me. I would have speech with him.”

 

When the prince entered the booth of the commander-in-chief, he found that worthy with his hands on his sides, a tear or two in his eyes, and very red in the face. He frowned suddenly, however, and became very grave on observing Bladud.

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