Tales out of school

by Frank R. Stockton

Bron and Kruge entered the open field, and, for a moment, stood, and looked steadfastly at each other. The dwarf had to strain his eyes a little to look up so far as the giant’s head. Bron was pale, but he had a resolute air. As for Kruge, he burst into a loud laugh at the ridiculous figure cut by his small antagonist. He laughed so that he had to bend over, and hold his sides. Everybody laughed except the gnomes. The king, himself, could not restrain a smile.

THE COMBAT.

Bron now slowly walked around the giant, as if examining him. The giant looked after him. Presently Bron began to walk more swiftly, and the giant turned round and round to see what the little fellow was going to do. Soon Bron was running, and the giant, much amused at this mode of warfare, turned and turned until he got tired of the sport. “I will catch the pigmy up and hold him tightly in my fist,” he thought; and he made a step forward for this purpose. He was so dizzy, by this time, that he fell headlong upon the ground. As quick as thought, Bron cut off the forelock from the giant’s head, and held it up with a shout of triumph.

All but the giants clapped their hands, and shouted. The crowd surrounded the plucky little fellow, and bore him to the king, who immediately conferred upon him a vast estate, consisting of several acres of marsh grass.

Kruge now offered to Bron the services of himself and of the other giants, according to the terms of agreement. But Bron modestly said that he was only an individual member of a community, and that the dwarfs in a body must decide upon the duties of the giants. He therefore requested Kruge to carry him on his hand to the home of the kobolds, where they would settle this affair. The giant was very angry, but he was forced to comply. Bron stood up on the palm of the giant’s hand, and Kruge reached the old castle in a few strides. Bron desired to be put down in front of the cellar door, and he then marched high up in the ruined tower to a great hall, where the kobolds held their solemn meetings. As for the giant his head just reached the hall when he stood upon the ground.

PRONOUNCING THE SENTENCE.

Bron found the whole tribe of kobolds there assembled, talking over the wonderful event. They were very much startled, and not a little frightened at this sudden appearance of Kruge in their midst, especially as he did not look at them very pleasantly. But Bron with a very grand air, presented the giant to them as his captive, and lawful prize, won in single combat.

It was then decided by the dwarfs that the giants should lay aside their swords, clubs, and spears, and should become peaceable citizens. That they should thenceforth work for what they ate, and wore, and not seize it by plunder. That they should learn the useful arts of farming, housework, and stable-cleaning. In short that they should become like the kobolds themselves.