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28 the dragon, Gol took his helmet, and returned with it to his companions. Hereupon the Princress ordered the gates of her palace to be opened, and invited the knights to an entertaiment. When she saw Gol she greatly wondered wherein his strength lay. She put her hand upon his shoulder, and pressed him down so heavily that Gol could with difficulty stand under it.

"Welcome, valiant knight!" cried the Princess. "I have always admired courage."

Then she squeezed his hand so hard that the poor fellow ground his teeth together to prevent his streaming out with pain.

"Defend our kingdom," continued the Princess, "and be our guardian."

Gol said to himself, "Would that I could be sure to keep a whole bone in my skin."

The Princess ordered some strong, old mead to be brought, in order to try her visitors; but Gol would not touch a drop of it, saying that when his work was done he only drank of the water of heroes.

"We have some of the water of heroes preserved," said the Princess.

"How much have you?" asked Gol.

"A bottleful," answered the Princess.