d. He accepted the challenge at once,
and, as no other competitor for the heavy stone offered, the two had it
all to themselves. This was no matter of wonder, for the heaviest stone
among those laid out for trial was of a weight that many of the young
men or warriors could barely lift, while the stoutest of them could not
have thrown it more than a few feet.

Boiling over as he was with indignation, Gunrig felt as if he was endued
with more than usual strength. He lifted the stone with ease, faced the
platform, heeled the line, and hurled the stone violently over his head,
so that it fell with a heavy thud far behind him. Then Bladud took it
up.

"Oh! what a stout man he is!" whispered Branwen to Hafrydda, "and what a
handsome face!"

"That is true; and I hope he will win," replied the princess.

"Hush! child, the king will be displeased if he hears you," said her
mother earnestly. "What ever you think, keep silence."

The queen spoke with such unwonted energy that Hafrydda was surprised,
but her thoughts were instantly diverted to Bladud, who made a
magnificent cast and sent the stone a yard further than his opponent.
But Gunrig seized it again and hurled it a foot beyond that.

"Well done," said the king. "Go on. It is the best in three heaves
that wins."

Bladud grasped the stone and hurled it back over his head with all his
force. Up and up it went as if it had resolved to become an aerolite
and visit the moon! Then down it came with a mighty thud ten yards
beyond Gunrig's mark.

Once more the air rang with the enthusiastic plaudits of the multitude,
while the king ordered the victor to approach the stand.

Bladud did so with some trepidation, for now he knew that he would have
to speak, and feared that though his appearance had not betrayed him,
his voice would probably do so.

CHAPTER ELEVEN.

A NOTABLE DUEL FOLLOWED BY CHANGES AND PLOTS.

Every eye was riveted with admiration and curiosity on the young
stranger as he approached.

"You have acquitted yourself well, young man," said the king, "and it
becomes us to invite you to our palace and to ask if we can serve you in
any way."

Bladud had a deep voice, and, by way of increasing his chances of
concealing his identity, he pitched it a note or two lower than usual as
he replied.

"I thank you, sir, for your hospitality and gladly accept it. As to
your offer to serve me, I would count it a favour if you will permit me
to enter into c