“March on to Rock Clermond,” he said to the general. “Fight fearlessly, for I shall come behind to help you.”
So the army set out along the dark road, and Gargantua sped to his room. He took out his great sword and lance shining like flashes of lightning. Then with his huge comb, each tooth of which was an elephant’s tusk, he began smoothing his tousled hair. As he did so, there was a bump on the floor,—another, another and another.
A servant knocked upon the door. “Prince Gargantua,” he cried, “sounds like thunder come from your room. The ceiling below trembles. Is something amiss?”
“Why, no,” laughed Gargantua, “I am but combing some small shot out of my hair.”
The servant gaped, with round eyes. “They are cannon balls, your Highness!” he cried in alarm.
“So they fired their cannon at me at the Ford of Vede,” muttered Gargantua in surprise.
Then taking up his arms, he went down for a bite of supper with his father; and just at dawn galloped off down the road.
Meanwhile the army drew near Rock Clermond. Picrochole’s captain of the guard saw them coming, and dashed to tell his king.
Picrochole roused up angrily. “Is Grangousier with them?” he snapped.
“No, sire, I saw no giants,” said the captain of the guard.