On the whole, Michael, I think I like you and I'm glad you
came this way. But do you care for good advice?"
"Yes, sir."
"That's right. Say 'sir' to me. It pleases my robber's heart. Then,
my advice to you is never again to go into the woods alone. All the
forest looks alike to those who don't know it, and you're lost in a
minute. Besides, it's filled with strange and terrible creatures,
Robin Hood--that's me, though I have some redeeming qualities--the
Erymanthean boar, the Hydra-headed monster, Medusa of the snaky locks,
Cyclops, Polyphemus with one awful eye, the deceitful Sirens, the Old Man
of the Mountain, Wodin and Osiris, and, last and most terrible of all,
the Baron Munchausen."
A flicker of fear appeared in the eyes of the captive.
"But I'll see that none of these monsters hurt you," said Harry
consolingly. "The open is directly behind you, about a mile. Right
about! Wheel! Well done! Now, you won't see me again, but you'll hear
me giving commands. Forward, march! Quit stumbling! No true forester
ever does! Nor is it necessary for you to run into more than three
trees! Keep going! No, don't curve! Go straight ahead, and remember
that if you look back I shoot!"
Michael walked swiftly enough.
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