The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1890-04-27
and I must avenge it," So Grettir re-

and I must avenge it," So Grettir re-
NAMED.
Atbed-time Thorhall orawled into locked
bedstead beside the hall; but Grettir merely
wrapped himself up in a long fur cloak and
flung himself on bench.
There was fire burning, on the hearth.
and by the red light Grettir looked up at
the rafters of the blackened roof. The
smoke escaped by. louvre in the middle.
The wind whistled mournfully. The win
dows admitted sickly yellow glare from
the full moon. A dog began to bark. Then
the cat, sitting demurely Watching the fire,
bTistline tail, and darted behind some
chests.
At this moment he heard something that
shook all coming sleep out of him. He
heard heavy tread beneath which
the snow oraokled. Every football went
straight to his heart. A crash over.
on the turf roof. and was walking over
that. For moment the chimney gap was
completely darkened-the monster was
looking down-the flash Of the red fire
illumined the horrible face with its lack
lustre eyes. Then the moon shone in
again. and the heavy tramp of Clam was
heard.
Then Grettir heard his steps coming
nearer, then the swapping of wood showed
that Clam was destroying the clubhouse
doors. Presently tho tread was heard
again approaching time the main en-
trance. Grettir Thought he could dis
tinguish pair of great hands thrust in
over the broken door. In another moment
he heard loud snap-a long plank had
been torn out of place, and the light of the
moon shone in.
There was cross-beam to tho door. act
ing as a bolt; Against the gray light
Grettir saw huge black arm thrust in,
TRYING tn romOve the har IT. una 10Do-
| the broken door was driven and went
down on the floor in slivers. Now
Grettir could see tall dark figure, almost
naked, with wild locks of hair about the
head. standing in the doorway! That was
but minute, and then CLAM came in
stealthilv. The figure Grettir saw was I'M
like anything he had seen before. Rags
hung from shoulders and waist, the long
wolf gray hair was matted. The eyes we're
staring and strange. Grettir could hear
ThorEsll trembling and breathing fast.
Presently CLAIMS eyes rested on the
bench. He stepped toward 1t, and Grettir
felt him cropping about him. Then CLAM
laid hold of one end of the fur cloak and
began to pull at it. The cloak did not give.
Clam seemed puzzled; he went to the other
end of the bundle and began to pull at
was not moved himself, but the fur cloak
was torn in half, and the strange visi-
tant staggered back holding the portion
wonderingly before his eyes. Before he
could recover from his surprise. GrettiI
started to his feet, bent his body, flung his
arms roung Clam, and driving his head into
| the breast of the visitor tried to bend him
| backward and SO snap his spine. In vain
the cold hands grasped Grettir's arms and
tore them from their hold. Grettir clasped
them again about CLAIMS body, and then
Clam threw his round Grettir. and they be
| gan to wrestle. Grettir saw CLAM was try
| ing to drag him to the door. He therefore
made desperate resistance. He chung tc
| benches and posts, but the posts gave way
and the benches were torn from theil
places.
! Each moment he was being dragged nea~
er to the door. Sharply twisting himsei
loose, Grettir flung his arms round beai.
| of the roof. He was dragged OF his feet *
| once. CLAM clenched him about the wais
| and tore at him to get him loose. Every
| tendon in Grcttir's breast was strained
still he held on. The nails of CLAN
| cut into his side like knives, then Grettir'I
hands gave way. He could endure tn.
strain no longer. and Clam drew him towars
| the door.
| Now, the door posts were of stone and tn
I beam that had served as . bolt slid int
hollows on either side of the door posts
As the wrestlers neared the opening Gretti
planted both his feet against the stone post
| and put his arms around Clam. dc calie'
to Thorhall, but Thorha0 was too fright
ened to leave his refuge.
Now, thought Grettir, III only coui'
break his back.' Then drawing Clam {