"The mandate was obeyed. A wild howl was heard from within—the sound re-echoed from the vaulted roof. "'He comes! He comes!' "'We shall have fine sport,' said Conrad. "Scarcely had he spoken when the enraged monster rushed forth; the spear of the knight severely wounded him; the horse which Conrad bestrode, reared and plunged; the young count was thrown to the ground, and the wolf sprang on him. "A cry of dismay arose, a cry that was heard far and near, when suddenly George leapt upon the wolf with his sharp knife, and buried its shining blade in the neck of the monster—a stream of dark blood gushed out, and quivering and convulsed, the animal fell dead. The cry of dismay was changed into a shout of triumph—a shout in honor of the heroic boy. The crowd pressed around him, extolling his courage, and praising his zeal, everybody lauding his bravery to the skies. "'Green boughs in your helmets and bonnets,' cried the knight, with a cheer; 'so shall every robber perish. The lad has acted nobly, and to him Conrad owes his life.' "The crowd now began to gather round the wolf, which lay at the knight's feet. "'Not for the whole world,' said the knight, 'would one of you come near the monster while living, but now that this good youth has shown true courage, and slain the brute, you can venture near enough. Ay, look at his terrible jaws, look at his sharp teeth, look at his shaggy paunch, look at his enormous length.' "The bailiff, who was one of the hunting-party, now asked the knight whether George was to receive the promised reward. "'Assuredly,' said the knight; 'come hither, good youth, and I will pay the money down at once.' "He counted the guilders into the boy's hand. "'This,' said he, 'is the reward offered by our prince; here is another on my own account;' and he handed him a well-filled purse, bright with new coins. "The old man now stepped forward and told how George had made him a present of the goat, and how kind and good the lad had behaved. "'Why,' said the knight, 'surely I have some recollection of you; did you not serve under me in the wars?' "'I did.' "'Here are some golden crowns; truly this George is a fine fellow—something more must be done for him. Here, my good youth, to-night you shall lodge in my castle, and to-morrow my people shall see you safely home.' "The knight turned to a page who was near him, and bade him dismount, and lend his horse to the gallant little hero who had saved the count's life. The boy readily obeyed, and George mounted the pony and rode on with the rest. "Oh how proud and happy he felt at that moment! "'Your name, good lad,' asked the knight, 'I have learnt is George—and a good name; you have the courage of your saintly name-sake, who, as the story goes, slew the dragon centuries ago.' "The boy smiled. "'Jesting apart, dear boy,' the knight went on, 'you have acquitted yourself better than many and many an older hand would have done.' "'I have only done my duty,' said George.