CURIOUS CREATURES. 297 



daily contribution of nine cows' milk, which was always 

 placed for it at the green hill, and in default of which it 

 devoured man and beast. Young Lambton had, it seems, 

 meanwhile, totally repented him of his former life and 

 conversation, had bathed himself in a bath of holy water, 

 taken the sign of the cross, and joined the Crusaders. 



" On his return home, he was extremely shocked at 

 witnessing the effects of his youthful imprudences, and 

 immediately undertook the adventure. After several 

 fierce combats, in which the Crusader was foiled by his 

 enemy's power of self -union, he found it expedient to add 

 policy to courage, and not, perhaps, possessing much of 

 the former quality, he went to consult a witch or wise 

 woman. By her judicious advice he armed himself in 

 a coat-of-mail studded with razor blades ; and, thus 

 prepared, placed himself on the crag in the river, and 

 awaited the monster's arrival. 



" At the usual time the worm came to the rock, and 

 wound himself with great fury round the armed knight, 

 who had the satisfaction to see his enemy cut in pieces 

 by his own efforts, whilst the stream washing away the 

 severed parts, prevented the possibility of reunion. 



" There is still a sequel to the story : the witch had 

 promised Lambton success only on one condition, that 

 he should slay the first living thing which met his sight 

 after the victory. To avoid the possibility of human 

 slaughter, Lambton had directed his father, that as soon 

 as he heard him sound three blasts on his bugle, in 

 token of the achievement performed, he should release 

 his favourite greyhound, which would immediately fly 

 to the sound of the horn, and was destined to be the 

 sacrifice. On hearing his son's bugle, however, the old 

 chief was so overjoyed, that he forgot his instructions, 



