Gudel looked on with concentrated rage, and as Robeccal went toward the chariot, he said to him:
"Not another step!"
"Indeed! And who will prevent me?"
Gudel's eyes flashed.
"Scoundrel!" he muttered under his breath.
"Well! are you coming?" called La Roulante. "Give him a push and come on!"
These words encouraged the fellow, but as he moved toward the chariot Iron Jaws struck him a tremendous blow in the chest. Robeccal pulled out a knife and leaped on Gudel, but was caught by Fanfar and tossed in the air as if he had been a ball. The fellow landed nearly at the side of the giantess, who tumbled herself off the chariot and rushed upon Fanfar. Schwann appeared at the door at this moment.
"Dinner is ready, good people," he said, soothingly.
Robeccal said a few words in a whisper to the giantess, who shrugged her huge shoulders and made at once to the dining-room. Gudel held out his arms to his daughter.