The Montgomery advertiser., 1909-02-28

High Constable. that the Clan Chattan asks for a substitute. Surely there will be a stout volunteer for such an | honor"
 Hardly had the heralds shouted the offer before Harry of the Wynd leaped the barriers and presented himself. | The chief of the Clan Chattan looked on him with keen approval. while the burghers cried that he was madman. But a messenger hastened gleefuily to his house anu brought his armor and mighty sword, and for all their criticism the citizens shouted loud ap- plause as their own champion entered the ranks of the picked men or the hills.
 As soon as the signal was given by the King the men of both clans uttered a mighty yell. The bagpipes blew maddening note. The fighters started forward. increased their pace 10 a smart run and came together with a wild shock. In an instant there was nothing to see except immense swords hewing at each other.
 Forced on both by eagsrness of hatred and the thirst for honor, no man would yield a foot. The specta- tors could see only tumult of men over whom huge blades tossed and swept. some still gffttering. others red with blood Even while they smote at each other the fierce champions tried to close and use their daggers.
 The pipes could still be heard at in- telvals. wailing above the furious noise Suddenly they sounded a re- treat. and the combatants cautiously. but promptly disengaged themselves from each other.
 The spectators could now see for the first time what work had been done In that frightful interlocking Of men Twenty champions lay dead or dying on the field. Dismembered limbs. hel- mets cleft clean through, slashes through the shoulder far into the chest. showed the fury of the battle and the strength of the fighters.
 Harry of the Wynd had contented himself with parrying the blows of those who assailed him and now stood leaning bn his sword, showing little inclination to renew the combat. Tho chief of the Clan Chattan asked him what ailed him.
 T fight as a volunteer and only in the post which best suits me-" replied the smith, T want to meet the chief of the Clan Quhele."
 Take what post you please" was the reply; and when the word to renew the fight was given the armorer press ed forward to where Eachin MacIan stood He shook his long sword at the young chief. but Eachin's foster brother Norman. sprang forward and stabbed at the armorer with his dag ger Fool! said the smith, striking him backward with the pommel of his heavy sword and then fetching a stroke that broke through both steel cap and skull.
 Again the armorer advanced toward the chief, and again a supporter threw himself between them. While he en- gagged the smith. two others attacked him from both sides. but the chief of the Clan Chattan cried: Forward, my wildcats. and help the Saxon!" His own sword cut down one of Harry's assailants, another of the clan killed the second. and the armorer succeeded in smiting his man down.
 Eachin had been carried away by the turmoil of the fight, which now rolled back and forth in the same hideous confusion as in the beginning. At last however. the spectators could see that the Clan Chattan had fifteen left. while only ten remained of the Clan Quhele.
 Harry of the Wynd was here and there. ever trying to break through the guard that surrounded the young chief. Wounded in many places. he still seemed tireless and retired un- willingly when the retreat was sound ed again.
 Only five were left of the Clan Quhele to oppose twelve of the Clan Chattan. Eachin alone had escaped without a wound. so well had he been guarded by his faithful men
 Again the war cry arose. and again the weary and bleeding men advanced toward each other. but slowly nov with heavy feet. The two old war riors, unable to remain aloof any longer. joined in the fray and attacked each other savaRely with the lances to which the standards were attached. The fury of battle and the frenzy of rage and despair then infected the bag pipers. who threw away their instru- ments and ran on each other with their dasgers.
 So blind and wild with rage were all these volunteers that they did each other to death at the first onset
 At last only two of the Clan Quhele remained alive-Eachin MaoIan and a giant supporter. He ran on the smith with a below and struck with all his might For long minutes the cham pion of Perth seemeed to have met hfs match. Then the smith succeeded in striking aside the giants guard anu down came his terrible sword. flying