New Ulm review. (New Ulm, Brown County, Minn.) 1892-1961, 1911-04-26

last" he said to us who were with
him. I'VE must prevent their cross.
ing the river We are rather the de-
tending than the attacking party
now"
We rode toward the bridge, goodly
company, the morning sunlight fash
ing back from polished helmet and ar
NOR. At intervals jest gave birth
to laughter or a deep oath was grOwl-
ed out from the hoarse throat of
warrior who thought no more of COM
ing battle than he did Of taking his
dinner.
The enemy reached the bridge be-
fore us, and, although our archers
poured black flights Of swift arrows
upon them, we could not prevent them
crossing. and they dashed upon us on
our side of the river.
"Sit tight and remember that you
wear armor," was Organs last piece
Of advice to me.
It was an equal fight, bravely waged.
Many Of my comrades saw smitten
from their saddles, even as many a
foeman fell, some to rise and stagger
10 refuge or another horse, some to lie
motionless while the .victors trampled
over them. Yet l still was safe, my
sword swinging heavily to right and
left, now stayed by strong arm, now
crashing downward, fOeman falling
under its bite. Who fell beside me l
did not know, but Walen and Organ
were close to me dealing out punish
ment to all within the sweep of their
weapons They were gallant fighters
both. I was glad to be In their COM
pany. My sword swung down again
upon an enemy, and cry Of exulta-
ton burst from my lips as felt his
armor split beneath the stroke and for
a moment saw the crimson stain the
steeps brightness. The lust OF battle
was upon me-
"A sword!' I cried as l flung mine
down and reached toward one held up
to me- Although my horse swerved at
that moment, caught the new weap-
on, but not securely in my grip, and
even as heard warning cry behind
me a new foe attacked me fercely.
had seen him afar off In the battle
towering above his comrades, YER
liable giant. His sword flashed the
sunlight good foot higher in the air
than those about him and like sickle
into ripe wheat reaped space around
him. Now it flashed above me, and
was unprepared. Only a feeble grip
had Of my own weapon, and scarce
could stay his first tremendous
stroke. l could see that Walen was
straining his utmost to reach me, see-
ing my difficulty doubtless, but he
was hemmed in, pressed on either
side. Much had he to do to keep his
own saddle without helping me keep
mine. felt that the decisive moment
of the fight had come. One side or the
other must quickly yield, and I strug-
gled nightly to get firm hold Of my
sword 1t seemed to turn and slip in
my mailed hand a second stroke
from my enemy fell upon me, break
ing down my guard, and yet I stayed
it's fury. 1t glanced from my armor.
CluICuCu 1T NY SNoAu NCSpCilSS
-ly. The man was a giant, but his
movements were quick Perhaps he
saw how was placed and was savage
that his victory had not been more
easily accomplished. 1t maddened me
to think that l could not meet him
fairly. l cursed the weapon in my
hand; it must have been loose at the
hilt. l cursed the man who, falling,
had snapped my own. My teeth were
clinched in impotent rage.
The fury Of our combat, or should
say, rather his, had cleared space
about us. My sword twisted in my
grasp as he came upon me. again. l
could have flung it down in my mad
fury and given up the fight. But he
saved me from that folly. He struck,
and my sword was wrenched from me
altogether. For one moment I saw it
flying through the air, and l thought
that the end had come. We were side