Then he cut lengths from the coil with his sword and
bound the limbs of each robber securely. Within a half-hour he had
laid out a row of thieves extending half way across the grassy plain,
and on counting their number he found he had captured fifty-nine
of them.
This task being accomplished and the robbers rendered helpless, Prince
Marvel turned to the boy who stood watching him.
"Get a suit of armor from the cave, and a strong sword, and then
return here," he said, in a stern voice.
"Why should I do that?" asked the boy, rather impudently.
"Because I am going to fight you for disobeying my orders; and if you
do not protect yourself I shall probably kill you."
"That sounds pleasant," said the boy. "But if you should prove my
superior in skill I beg you will not kill me at once, but let me die a
lingering death."
"Why?" asked the prince.
"Because I shall suffer more, and that will be delightful."
"I am not anxious to kill you, nor to make you suffer," said Marvel,
"all that I ask is that you acknowledge me your master."
"I won't!" answered the boy. "I acknowledge no master in all the world!"
"Then you must fight," declared the prince, gravely.
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