do?--I am now well convinced that your charger is of the right blood, and is one of the noblest, as well as most formidable, steeds that ever sprung from the Norwegian race. But without doubt he would rend me in pieces if I ventured to come near him; for after a battle such an animal could not be tamed even by his own master.”--“That depends,” said the Knight of Trautwangen, “on the question, whether his master be right valiant and powerful. Trust to my promise, and mount him without apprehension!--Ruhig du Bursch!” added he, at the same time dismounting; and on hearing these words, his horse, as usual, stood motionless. Sir Otto assisted the wounded knight into the saddle, and then led the way on foot; while his light-brown favourite followed him like a sumpter-horse, slowly and carefully climbing over the rocks. On their return to the castle the whole troop of horsemen saluted them with the greatest respect, and the oldest among them affirmed that Sir Otto was indeed a leader to whom they had yet never beheld any equal. Thereafter, without dismounting, they all drank his health in a cup of mead, which was replenished by the squires, and passed round from man to man. Then, in a short space, Sir Otto was seen at the head of his troop, departing rapidly through the plains beneath the castle, and the white sails of Sir Arinbiorn were unfurled, and gleaming on the blue waters. CHAPTER XI. How Sir Otto defeated the Pagans in Finland. Through many a forest, and over many a mountain and desolate heath, had Sir Otto now travelled, till at length he arrived at the Swedish frontiers, and found that the army which was to attack the Finland idolaters had already crossed the heights which formed the boundary, and that on the very next day there was to be a decisive battle. Sir Otto’s troop, who were always urging their way forward with impatience, had many times been warned to be on their guard, lest a party of the enemy might form an ambuscade, and attack them when they least expected any danger. The knight and his Norman heroes, however, only laughed at such advice, and answered,--“Nay, nay; let them be on their guard against us. If they are wise, they will not throw themselves so readily in our way.”