"Well, then, Count Gofaster," said the King, laying emphasis on the title, "in less than a week we shall expect to see you." The King bowed, which the giant took to be an expression that he desired him not to be present when his courtiers came; and as the King applied his horn to his lips and sounded a few notes, Gofaster returned to the house of Hepsone.
Shortly after his departure the courtiers came in from various directions, and looked with astonishment at the bear and the dead hound.
"He was killed by a stranger, who came in good time," said the King, pointing to the dead bear; but he gave no further word of explanation.
CHAPTER III.
On his return to the house of Hepsone, Gofaster found there a crooked little man, whom his host introduced as Snipper, the tailor. After a bargain had been made, and as the tailor was measuring his new customer—which in order to do completely he was obliged to stand on a stool—Hepsone examined the battle-axe, which the giant had laid aside.
"Why," said he, "the edge of this is nicked in two places, and it is marked with blood. Did you meet with game?"
"Yes," said the giant, "a white bear, and he lies there in the forest."
"A white bear!" cried the host, in amazement. "Did you have the courage to face a brute like that?"
"Oh," replied Gofaster, laughing, "I dealt him a coward's blow from behind; but I take no shame for it, since I would have had no chance had I faced him."
"I should like to know all about it," said Hepsone, eagerly.