

           So the Master of Fire rode until he came to the giant, who was 
     now dressed much like the Master of Fire. 
          The giant thundered, "No one shall pass without fighting me. 
     Choose any weapon you like, and I will more than match you!" 
          "I choose fire!" barked the red-faced warrior, leaping down from 
     his horse. 
          The warrior began tossing lit torches at the giant, one after the 
     other. But the giant caught them and threw them back even faster, 
     burning brighter and hotter than before. SWISH SWISH SWISH came the 
     torches, until the Master of Fire was singed and sooty from head to 
     foot. 
          The smoldering warrior dropped his torches, jumped on his horse, 
     and raced back to the King. 
          When Peddler Polly heard his story, she said, "Useless--that's 
     what your warriors are, Your Majesty, if you'll pardon my saying so. I 
     guess I'll have to deal with that giant myself." 
          "Now, don't be foolish, madam," said the King, shifting his crown 
     a little to the back. "What can you do that my finest warriors could 
     not?" 
          "I'll have to think of something," said Peddler Polly. 

