knight’s pleasure that they should then commence their race. “Lead me to the proper ground,” answered Sir Otto; and the Norman, guiding his horse a few steps to one side, said,--“The course is now right before us, noble sir.” At that moment he had stationed himself opposite to a steep declivity of the mountain, broken indeed by insulated fragments of rock, which partly rose up in frightful rugged masses, and partly spread out in yet more dangerous smoothness, mingling with the green turf. “That is to be our race-course,” said the Norman, in a tranquil and friendly tone. “Among us northern soldiers, less is thought of the trial, whether one horse can ride more swiftly than another, than of the question, whether he can find his way prudently and safely on such unequal rocky ground?” “Very well, I am ready to join you,” answered Sir Otto; though it must be owned, when he looked down the precipice, his brain became confused, and his eyes clouded. Yet he took courage, more especially as he perceived that his light-brown steed seemed just as willing to encounter the descent as that of his adversary; and with like impatience foamed at the mouth, and gnawed the bridle which restrained him. “Let the trumpets blow the signal, for I am prepared,” said Sir Otto to the sea-monarch, who stood behind him; while the whole troop of cavalry had formed a half-circle, watching what would be the result of this adventure. Accordingly, the war-horns were sounded, the combatants gave the reins to their steeds, and struck the spurs deep into their sides; at the same time leaning backwards, both for their own safety, and that they might render the descent more easy to their horses. Sir Otto found his eyes dazzled,--there was a rushing sound in his ears,--the wind whistled through the long waving plumes of his head-piece. It seemed to him as if, instead of running a race, he would soon fall headlong through the air; and more than once he was on the point of drawing the reins; but, reflecting that if he did so, his adversary probably might gain the victory, he used the spurs instead of the bridle, and the light-brown steed flew like a supernatural being over the rocky cliffs and slippery declivities. At length they both arrived safely, and stationed themselves quietly in the valley beneath, while Sir Otto’s rival was still heard clashing and rattling through the thickets above them. As soon as he had arrived also on the plain, his horse, notwithstanding all the endeavours that the rider made to prevent him, rushed against that of Sir Otto, and both steeds directly engaged in a furious combat. In a few minutes, however, that of the Norwegian knight was thrown down, the rider along with him, both severely wounded. The soldier recovered himself in a short time; but Sir Otto, perceiving that he was much hurt, said to him,--“If it so please you, mount my horse, and ride him up to the castle.” “Sir Knight,” said the Norman, shrinking back, “what would you have me