e knew what had happened. Then, with
a terrible yell, the Scots seized their weapons and closed on the enemy.

But Alexander, staggering to his feet, his head streaming blood, called
to them once more to halt, as he leapt forward, half stunned, on his
assailant. The duel was short and swift. For at the first onset the
great gallowglass, amazed to see his man yet living, and ashamed,
perchance, of his foul stroke, missed his mark and tumbled in a heap
upon his foeman's sword. Then with a mighty shout (for all thought this
was the English leader slain), the two bands closed in, and a deadly
fight began.

But I kept my eye on Alexander, whom, despite his prowess, I could see
to be wounded hard. Gradually, as his men fell on the enemy and the
battle roared off eastward, he himself drooped, and drew out of the
fray. I could see him stand a moment, waving his sword, but his body
swayed like that of a drunken man, and he leaned at last against a rock
to keep from falling.

Then it was, before I could determine whether to warn Ludar of this
accident or no, that a horrible deed was done.

For I was not the only one who had kept his eyes on the wounded chief.
While he stood there fainting, yet still shouting his men forward,
Captain Merriman (an Englishman!) who had lagged behind his host, crept
stealthily round the hill to where he stood, and suddenly fronting him,
dared the dying man to single combat! From where I stood I could mark
the curl of scorn on the young chief's lips, as he drew himself up and
strove to lift his drooping arm. Next moment the English captain's
weapon flashed between, and as Alexander fell the coward's blade plunged
through him twice.

Instantly a mighty cry went up from the enemy, for Captain Merriman,
waving his bloody sword above his head, ran through the ranks yelling,
"Victory! McDonnell is slain!" and the McDonnells, when they heard the
shout, reeled under it in a panic and were slain by the score.

As for me, I had stood there like a lump of stone, not able to stir or
shout. But at last, by a huge effort, I sprang to the ground, and with
a cry of horror rushed to find Ludar.

I found him standing on the cliff-edge, grave and happy, with the maiden
beside him, looking down at the great Atlantic waves as they flung their
eternal surge up at the castle rock. His sword lay on the ground at her
feet. She was fixing a tuft of flowers in his cap, singing softly as
she did so. And he,