the ferryman's death were now come to Gelfrat's
ears. The mighty Else had also heard the tale. Loth it was to both; they
sent to fetch their heroes, who soon stood ready. In a passing short
time, as I'll let you hear, one saw riding towards them those who
had wrought scathe and monstrous wounds in mighty battles. Full seven
hundred or more were come to Gelfret. When they began to ride after
their savage foes, their lords did lead them, of a truth. A deal too
strong they hasted after the valiant strangers; they would avenge their
wrath. Therefore many of the lordings' friends were later lost.

Hagen of Troneg had well planned it (how might a hero ever guard his
kinsmen better), that he had in charge the rear guard, with his liegemen
and his brother Dankwart. This was wisely done.

The day had passed away; the night was come. For his friends he feared
both harm and woe, as beneath their shields they rode through the
Bavarian land. A short time thereafter the heroes were assailed. On
either side of the highway and in the rear hard by they heard the beat
of hoofs. Their foes pressed on too hard. Then spake hold Dankwart:
"They purpose to attack us here, so hind on your helmets, for that be
well to do."

They stayed their journey, as though it must needs he; in the gloom
they spied the gleam of shining shields. Hagen would no longer keep his
peace; he called: "Who chaseth us upon the highway?"

To this Gelfrat must needs give answer. Quoth the margrave of Bavaria:
"We seek our foes and have galloped on behind you. I know not who slew
my ferryman to-day, but it doth rue me enow, for he was a hero of his
hands."

Then spake Hagen of Troneg: "And was then the ferryman thine? The fault
was mine, he would not ferry us over, so I slew the knight. Forsooth I
had great need, for I had sheer gained at his hands my death. As meed I
offered him gold and trappings, that he ferry me across to thy land, Sir
Knight. This angered him so greatly that he smote me with a mighty oar.
At this I waxed grim enow. I seized my sword and fended him his anger
with a grievous wound. Thus the hero met his death. I'll make amends, as
doth think thee best."

"Well I wist," spake Gelfrat, "when Gunther and his fellowship rode
hither, that Hagen of Troneg would do us harm. Now he shall not live;
the knight must stand for the ferryman's life."

Over the bucklers Gelfrat and Hagen couched their spears for the thrust;
each would charge the other. Else