The Ocala evening star. [volume] (Ocala, Fla.) 1895-1943, 1911-04-24

toIu UKyan what hau happened
and repeated the counts words.
There has always been a sentry by
the river" he said thoughtfully. Per
haps he knew who the fugitives were
and had made arrangements for their
easy escape"
AYE, and was so anxious about them
that he followed to make certain
that they got away safely"
I'VE must keep close together, Yer
rail-, fighting or not. Lie down and
sleep. I'll watch Well not both
sleep at the same time again.
In one respect at least Vasca had
prophesied truly last night. Quite
early in the morning 1t was evident
that the day was not to be an idle one.
| Troops of men moved along the oppo-
site bank of the river toward the
| bridge of boats two miles up the
stream, a bridge which had been con-
stantly defended and which we had
never attempted to force.
/ 1t appeared as if neither side wanted
/ an engagement They made no at
tempt to drive US off, yet had they at
tackled us in full force 1 doubt If we
resist them.
Some thought of this kind was evi-
IDENTIFY in Vasca's mind when he saw
the enemy in motion.
"They have made up their minds at
last" he said to us who were with
him. I'VE must prevent their cross
ing the river. We are rather the de-
Il Tending than the attacking party
now"
We rode toward the bridge, a goodly
company, the morning sunlight fash
ing back from polished helmet and ar
NOR. At intervals a jest gave birth
to laughter or a deep oath was growl-
ed out from the hoarse throat of a
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
1t 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
to 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 a strong arm, now
crashing downward. a foeman falling
under its bite. Who fell beside me
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. | was glad to be in their com
pany. My sword swung down again
upon an enemy. and a cry Of exulta-
ton burst from my lips as l 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 l cried as | flung mine
down and reached toward one held UP
to me. Although my horse swerved al
that moment, l caught the new weap,
on, but not securely in my grip. and
/ even as l heard warning cry behind
me new foe attacked me fiercely.
had seen him afar off in the battle
towering above his comrades, yer
liable giant His sword flashed the
sunlight a good foot higher in the all
than those about him and like a sickle
Into ripe wheat reaped a space around
him. Now it flashed above me- and
{
had | ofNmy own weapon, and scarce
could | stay his first tremendous
stroke. / 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 l strug
gled nightly 10 get firm hold Of my
sword. Ii seemed TO turn and slip IL
my mailed hand \ second stroke
. from my enemy fell upon me, break
ing down my guard, and yet l stayed
its fury. 1t glanced from my armor
and l clutched at my sword desperate
". The man was Il giant but his
: movements We're quick Perhaps he
saw how l was placed and was savag q
that his victory had not been more