Page:The jade story book; stories from the Orient (IA jadestorybooksto00cous).pdf/384

368 In a few days the King arrived, and began to ascend the mountain, but for a long time he searched in vain for the giants. At last he saw one of them carrying water towards the base of a rock and he challenged him. The giant roared so that the stones rattled together and rushed upon Rasalu, who at once fitted an arrow to his bow, let fly, and slew him.

The noise made by the giant roused the others, who came rushing out from their dens. But when they saw that it was King Rasalu who had come against them they were afraid, for they had heard of his might. Then one of them said, "We have been told of your power, but to know whether or not you are worthy to fight with us, let us see you pierce seven plates of iron with your arrow."

Then they set up seven plates of iron, and the King sent his arrow through them all. This wonderful feat filled them with dismay, and they at once turned and fled. But the King pursued them, bow in hand, and with the exception of one only, he slew them all with his invincible arrows.