Then lead him forth towards the Throne.
Fe-fi-fum, my charm is done.”
Ere the last words were well out of her mouth [[66]]the old dame vanished like a puff of smoke—when or how Tom Brock had no idea whatever. He rubbed his eyes, and was under the impression that the whole thing was an illusion, until his glance rested upon a square white wrapper lying at the foot of the bed. He sprang up immediately, and found a soft cloak large enough to robe a giant. There was no fancy about that, at any rate. He dressed himself hastily, at the same time attempting to repeat the utterances of his strange visitor:—
“ ‘Draw a circle round the beast
When he sleeps in peaceful rest.’
Very good,” he muttered quickly; “there may be a charm in these words that I cannot conceive. I have a very dangerous task before me, and I’ll try it. Luckily this is just the time of day to catch Mr. Gorilla asleep. What’s the next line?—
“ ‘If strong thy arm and keen thy blade
So thy task is easy made.’
Humph! I can answer for the razors. They’re sharp enough to cut the throat of my ugly customer, if he tries any of his tricks. Then:—
“ ‘Shave the monster, head and toe,