e spot was considerably
elevated above the level of the low ground, and from an opening in the
shrubbery at the further extremity could be seen the larger valley with
all its wealth of forest and meadow, its knolls, and slopes, and wooded
uplands, with the river winding like a silver thread throughout its
whole extent.

Here the prince resolved to fix his abode, and, not a little pleased
with the successful way in which he had commenced his amateur
pig-herding, he set vigorously and patiently to work with the little
bronze hatchet, to fell such trees as would be required in the
construction of his future home.

CHAPTER TWENTY.

A STRANGE ABODE AND A WILD VISITOR.

Bladud's idea of a palace worthy of a prince was not extravagant. He
erected it in three days without assistance or tools, except the bronze
axe and knife--Brownie acting the part of superintendent of the works.
Until it was finished, he slept with the forest trees for a shelter and
the sky for a canopy.

The edifice was nothing better than a small hut, or booth, constructed
of long branches bent in the shape of semi-hoops, the ends of which were
thrust into the ground. The whole was thatched with dried grass and
bound down with ropes made of the same material. It was further secured
against the possible influence of high winds, by heavy branches being
laid across it and weighted with stones. Dried grass also formed the
carpeting on the floor.

Of course it was not so high that its architect could stand up in it,
but he could sit in it erect, and could lie down at full length without
showing his heels outside. There was no door, but one end was left
unfinished as a substitute. Neither was there a fireplace, the space in
front sufficing for a kitchen.

While engaged in its erection, Bladud was too busy to indulge in gloomy
thoughts, but as soon as it was finished and he had lain down to rest
under its shade, the terrible, almost incredible, nature of his position
rushed upon him in full force. The opening of the hut had been so
arranged as to present a view of the wide-spreading valley, and he gazed
upon scenes of surpassing loveliness, in which all the sights that met
the eye breathed of beauty and repose, while the sounds that broke upon
the ear were suggestive of bird and beast revelling in the enjoyment of
the gifts and sunshine of a bountiful Creator. But such sights and
sounds only enhanced the misery of the poor man, and he started up,