For I longed to do something to show that I also was no milksop.
Now it chanced that there was in one corner a yearling calf that had been killed that day, and hung up with a bar between its thighs.

I saw an axe leaning in the corner--an axe with a broad, cutting edge--and I bethought me that perhaps, after all, I knew something which even Jorian and Boris were ignorant of.

So, mindful of my father's teaching, I took the axe, and, before any one was aware of my intent, I swept the long-handled axe round my head, and, getting the poise and distance for the slow drawing cut which does not stop for bone nor muscle, I divided the neck through at one blow so that the head dropped on the ground.
Then there was much applause and wonder.

Men ran to lift the calf's head, and the owner of the axe came up to examine the edge of his weapon.

I looked about.