Page:Shen of the Sea.pdf/105

 swish—came an arrow. After it, quickly, another, and another. Each found its mark. For each arrow a soldier crumpled. The others dug heels in their horses galloping pell-mell for their lives.

A stalwart youth stepped out from a pine. "You had better go quickly," he said to Chang. "The border of our own country lies a full mile back." "I thank you with all my heart," declared Prince Chang, "and shall reward you fittingly when" "When you are King?' finished the other. "I heard what you said to the soldiers, and wondered at your daring. Very well. Make me a general when you become King, and that will be ample reward." "It shall be done," vowed the prince. "What brave name do you bear?" "Name? Oh, you may call me Lang. Lang, the very indifferent archer. And now you must go, for more soldiers will come, and my arrows are few."

Prince Chang was not long returned from his journey when the King passed away in an illness. Immediately the crown was placed on Chang's brow, and all the people burned