Endless conflict. Endless misunderstanding. All life is that. Great and

little cannot understand one another. But in every child born of man,

Father Redwood, lurks some seed of greatness--waiting for the Food."

"Then I am to go to Caterham again and tell him--"

"You will stay with us, Father Redwood. Our answer goes to Caterham at

dawn."

He says that he will fight...."

So be it," said young Redwood, and his brethren murmured assent.

The iron waits," cried a voice, and the two giants who were working

in the corner began a rhythmic hammering that made a mighty music to the

scene. The metal glowed out far more brightly than it had done before,

and gave Redwood a clearer view of the encampment than had yet come to

him. He saw the oblong space to its full extent, with the great engines

of warfare ranged ready to hand. Beyond, and at a higher level, the

house of the Cossars stood. About him were the young giants, huge and

beautiful, glittering in their mail, amidst the preparations for the

morrow. The sight of them lifted his heart. They were so easily

powerful! They were so tall and gracious! They were so steadfast in

their movements! There was his son amongst them, and the first of all

giant women, the Princess....

355

The Food of the Gods and How It Came to Earth