The archers , meanwhile , were stationed within bow shot , with orders to let fly at Hercules the instant that he stirred . Everything being in readiness , a torch was applied to the pile , which immediately burst into flames , and soon waxed hot enough to roast the enemy , had he but chosen to lie still . A Pygmy , you know , though so very small , might set the world on fire , just as easily as a Giant could ; so that this was certainly the very best way of dealing with their foe , provided they could have kept him quiet while the conflagration was going forward . But no sooner did Hercules begin to be scorched , than up he started , with his hair in a red blaze . `` What 's all this ? '' he cried , bewildered with sleep , and staring about him as if he expected to see another Giant . At that moment the twenty thousand archers twanged their bowstrings , and the arrows came whizzing , like so many winged mosquitoes , right into the face of Hercules . But I doubt whether more than half a dozen of them punctured the skin , which was remarkably tough , as you know the skin of a hero has good need to be . `` Villain ! '' shouted all the Pygmies at once . `` You have killed the Giant Antaeus , our great brother , and the ally of our nation . We declare bloody war against you , and will slay you on the spot . '' Surprised at the shrill piping of so many little voices , Hercules , after putting out the conflagration of his hair , gazed all round about , but could see nothing . At last , however , looking narrowly on the ground , he espied the innumerable assemblage of Pygmies at his feet . He stooped down , and taking up the nearest one between his thumb and finger , set him on the palm of his left hand , and held him at a proper distance for examination . It chanced to be the very identical Pygmy who had spoken from the top of the toadstool , and had offered himself as a champion to meet Hercules in single combat . `` What in the world , my little fellow , '' ejaculated Hercules , `` may you be ? '' `` I am your enemy , '' answered the valiant Pygmy , in his mightiest squeak . `` You have slain the enormous Antaeus , our brother by the mother 's side , and for ages the faithful ally of our illustrious nation . We are determined to put you to death ; and for my own part , I challenge you to instant battle , on equal ground . ''
Hercules was so tickled with the Pygmy 's big words and warlike gestures , that he burst into a great explosion of laughter , and almost dropped the poor little mite XXXXX a creature off the palm of his hand , through the ecstasy and convulsion of his merriment .
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