Thus, trapped between two forces, attacked alike by fresh and weary troops, the Videlians fell. Though giants in stature, they were no match for the squat little 'new men' of Chitrakuta. And at length, when the floor of the huge hall ran slippery-red, when the bodies of dead and dying formed a dreadful tapestry on crimsoned stone, the remnants of the doomed battalion surrendered. * * * * * Then it was that Ramey, his heart great with gladness, raced to seek those whom strife and a common cause had already bound him into a brotherhood as strong as that of birth. To the grinning Copt he cried, "Well done, Tauthus of Cush! This is a mighty battle you have won this day!" And the tall man chuckled in reply, "The credit is thine, Ramaíya. You spoke the truth. There is more joy in this than in squabbling with these few Videlians who are our friends." Said Thalakka soberly, "You came in the nick of time, my friend. We were hard-pressed. Nor is the battle yet won. Only this small corner of Lanka is now ours to hold. Ravana has yet thousands at his command elsewhere in the citadel." "And we have thousands more on the way," Ramey promised him. "Ah, my Lord Vibhishana! Have your guards watched the lakefront? Are our troops on the water?" The elderly ex-ruler of Lanka nodded gravely. "Their boats hover outside bow-range, Ramaíya. The fleet of Ravana dared not attack Sugriva's larger force, but they are held in deadlock unless we can win them a landing-place. Is that thy plan?" "That is the plan. Thalakka ... Tauthus ... Kohrisan! I leave its accomplishment to you. Somehow you must succeed in winning some section of the beach where our reinforcements may land." "And you, Lord Ramaíya?" asked Tauthus anxiously. "Where I go," Ramey told him grimly, "one man must go alone. I am going after the Bow of Rudra, fuel for which I have found. And I have--another reason. Lord Vibhishana, point me the way to Ravana's private chambers." "Us!" corrected a lone voice. Ramey turned to find Lake O'Brien at his shoulder. There was determination in the twin's eyes. "That's right," Lake repeated, "Us! I'm declaring myself in again, Ramey. And shut up! Damned if you're not the arguingest guy I ever met!" Ramey said firmly, "No, Lake! I was glad you came along with us through the tunnel. But this is _my_ job. Because not only is the Bow in Ravana's quarters but--Sheila is there, too. You won't understand, but--she means more than anything else to me." Lake returned his gaze quietly. For once there was no smile on his lips. He said, "But I do understand, Ramey. Perfectly. Because, you see, _I_ have known Sheila Aiken for a long time, too." "But you don't feel--" began Ramey hotly. Then he stopped, comprehension finally drawing upon him, sympathy and embarrassment suddenly warm upon his cheeks. "Oh! So it--it's that way? I'm sorry, Lake. I didn't realize--"