Then the King gave each of the brothers a sword, an ax, and a purse of gold, and they started on their journey.
They walked all day and towards night entered a deep forest.
“Where can we sleep?” asked Elrick. “There is no place in these woods; let us go back.”
“We will never go back for such a small thing as that,” said Mansur, and he started to make a bed of dry leaves. In a few minutes the bed was made, and very soft and comfortable it seemed to the tired travelers.
The brothers slept soundly, but just as morning broke, they were awakened by a terrible roar. They jumped to their feet and in the distance, coming toward them, was a great lion with eyes like balls of fire.
“We shall be eaten by the lion,” cried Elrick, and he trembled where he stood.
“Draw your sword,” said Mansur.
“What good will that do?” replied Elrick. “We are no match for a lion.”
“I shall fight for my life,” returned Mansur, and with the words the lion approached and made a spring, but Mansur was all ready for him, and the brave boy plunged his good sword into the very heart of the lion, who rolled at his feet dead.
The brothers continued their journey and were soon out of the forest. Suddenly they came to a great lake and there was neither boat nor craft of any kind to take them across.