Suddenly, however, there was heard a great rustling and rattling from the thickets on all sides, and five or six comrades of the fallen Swede now broke forth with drawn swords, and shouts of wrath, to revenge his death; so that the young knight had indeed sufficient opportunity to try the temper of the blade which Asmandur had made for him. Nor did it fail to render him good service; right and left his assailants were thrown prostrate on the ground, till at length time was allowed him to blow a powerful summons on Sir Arinbiorn’s battle-horn, and in a few minutes his Norman squadron came galloping up the hill to his assistance. Then the enemy always increased in number; but only one narrow path was left for their approach; and when those who now gained the top of the hill perceived that their leader as well as many of their noblest comrades had already fallen, they were panic-struck, and fled, forcing back resistlessly in their retreat those who were coming to their assistance. Ere the skirmish ended the ground was indeed covered with the dead and wounded, though Sir Otto on his side had not lost even a single man. He took possession of their horses and weapons, and with these trophies came up on the same evening with the Christian forces. The shouts of joy with which he was received, when the Christians perceived among other booty the well-known accoutrements of the pagan, who had first been slain by Sir Otto, made him fully aware of the important service which he had then rendered. His victim in that single combat had indeed been the terror of every Christian soldier; and now, when his blood-stained cuirass and broken helmet were borne in triumph through the camp, every heart was encouraged by the sight, and all looked with hope and confidence to the next engagement. The commander of the army, who was a prince of the Swedish royal blood, a man already in years, grave and experienced, came out to welcome the young Norman leader, thanked him with dignified kindness, and led him into his tent. There he inquired into all the events of his long march, and whether he could give him any news of Sir Arinbiorn. After Sir Otto had answered all his questions, and especially had explained the sea-monarch’s design in sailing round the Finland coast, the prince took him kindly by the hand, and said,--“Heaven has indeed opportunely sent one of the best and bravest of Christian knights to our assistance. Your strength and courage are already proved by your victory over the pagan leader; and from your wise discourse, I am no less convinced of your skill and decision in counsel. I shall therefore not conceal from you, noble sir, that I intend to-morrow morning to make a decisive attack on these pagan hordes. In that engagement, your squadron, if it so please you, shall ride on the left wing of my army; but, as for yourself, you shall remain with me in the centre, until I shall have pointed out to you the