auntlet's grasp
only a cloth yard's length of shivered spear. As, with a pat upon my
good steed's neck, I brought him to his fore feet, Catesby, whose lance
had met a fate similar to mine own, with brandished sword now dashed
afresh upon me. His lighter weight had enabled him to regain control
of his steed ere I had mastered mine. No time was there for thought.
As he leaped forward I flung with my full force, straight at his iron
head, the remnant of my lance. His horse, affrighted at this strange
weapon, swung from its course to avoid it, and thus saved his master
from the blow. This gave me the respite I wanted, and of which I took
advantage by drawing mine own good sword.

Loud cheered the crowd of spectators when they saw how equal had been
the tilt; and louder again did they shout when they saw us, with
clamorous blows, hotly engaged in sword play. One voice, clear and
distinct above all others did I hear, and pleased was I when I heard
its rich full ring, as its possessor used to their utmost strength his
mighty lungs. It was Michael.

I drove my spurs into my horse's flanks and bounded at mine antagonist
with the speed of lightning. He avoided my rush in time to save
himself; but my steed, with his shoulders, struck his in the hind
quarters, and almost bore mine opponent to the earth. As I passed him
in my career I struck at him a backhand blow; but he caught it, with
great dexterity, upon his shield.

Again did the applause burst forth with all its discordant notes.

Wheeling quickly around I again rode at him, with my sword swung far
behind my shoulder, determined to beat him from his saddle. I stood up
in my stirrups, and with the full force of my sword arm I drove a blow
fairly at his plumaged head. He caught it right manfully upon his
shield; but the blow was so powerful that he might as well have held up
a frail piece of wood. The keen edge of my sword broke through the
buckler's curving surface and forced the wounded steel protector, and
its supporting arm, with stunning force against their master's head.
He reeled slightly in his saddle; and, ere he could regain control of
his scattered senses, again did my remorseless blade fall on his helmet
crest, with the sound like the driving of an iron spike between a stone
wall's members, by means of a heavy hammer. His horse sprang forward
with its master's senseless body crushed down upon the saddle. Then
the steed swerved from its straight cou