I got the sword . ' ` And how didst thou get it ? ' ` If it had not had a knob on the top , then I had not got it , ' answered the king . ` Give me the sword to look at , ' said the Gruagach , peering forward ; but like a flash the king had drawn it from under his nose and pierced the mole , so that the Gruagach rolled over on the ground . ` Now I shall be at peace , ' thought the king . But he was wrong , for when he reached home he found his servants tied together back to back with cloths bound round their mouths , so that they could not speak . He hastened to set them free , and he asked who had treated them in so evil a manner . ` No sooner had you gone than a great giant came , and dealt with us as you see , and carried off your wife and your two horses , ' said the men . ` Then my eyes will not close nor will my head lay itself down till I fetch my wife and horses home again , ' answered he , and he stopped and noted the tracks of the horses on the grass , and followed after them till he arrived at the wood , when the darkness fell . ' I will sleep here , ' he said to himself , ` but first I will make a fire , ' And he gathered together some twigs that were lying about , and then took two dry sticks and rubbed them together till the fire came , and he sat by it . The twigs cracked and the flame blazed up , and a slim yellow dog pushed through the bushes and laid his head on the king 's knee , and the king stroked his head . ` Wuf , wuf , ' said the dog . ` Sore was the plight of thy wife and thy horses when the giant drove them last night through the forest . ' ` That is why I have come , ' answered the king ; and suddenly his heart seemed to fail him and he felt that he could not go on . ' I can not fight that giant , ' he cried , looking at the dog with a white face . ' I am afraid , let me turn homewards . ' ` No , do n't do that , ' replied the dog . ` Eat and sleep , and I will watch over you . ' So the king ate and lay down , and slept till the sun waked him . ` It is time for you to start on your way , ' said the dog , ` and if danger presses , call on me , and I will help you . '
` Farewell , then , ' answered the king ; ' I will not forget that promise , ' and XXXXX he went , and on , and on , till he reached a tall cliff with many sticks lying about .
So after by of on over than that through till