ned and expert in the use of his
weapons.

After a second onset, somewhat similar to the first, and with much the
same result, the two went at each other with cut and thrust so rapidly
that it was almost impossible to distinguish their swords as they
flashed like gleaming flames in the sunshine.

Suddenly Gunrig drew back, and, springing at the prince with uplifted
weapon, as if to cut him down, changed the attack into a quick thrust
which, passing under the youth's uplifted shield, went straight to his
breast. But the quick eye of Bladud detected the intention in time.
Leaping lightly backward, he caused the thrust to come short; at the
same time he returned with a quick thrust at the chief's right shoulder
which took effect slightly. Giving him no time to recover, he made a
sweeping cut at Gunrig's neck, which, had it fallen, would have shorn
his head from his shoulders, but the chief, instead of guarding it,
suddenly stooped, and, as the sword passed whistling above him, returned
with a thrust so fierce that it pierced right through the thick shield
opposed to it.

Here was an opportunity of which Bladud was not slow to avail himself.
Although the arm which held it was slightly wounded, he gave the shield
a violent and sudden twist, which not only held the weapon fast but
nearly wrenched it out of the chief's hand. An ordinary sword would
have been snapped, but Gunrig's weapon was a big bronze one that had
done service in many a fray, and its owner's hand was strong. He held
it fast, but before he could withdraw it and recover himself Bladud cut
him fair over the head. Whether it was accident or design no one could
tell, but the flat instead of the edge of his sword descended on the
headpiece, and the blow which should otherwise have cleft his adversary
to the chin only stretched him insensible on the field.

A great sigh of relief, mingled with wild cheers of satisfaction,
greeted this effective termination of the fight, and the king was
evidently not ill-pleased.

"Pick him up, some of you," he said, pointing to the prostrate Gunrig,
"and carry him to the palace. See that he is well cared for. Go,
Branwen, and see that everything is properly done for him."

Branwen at once left the stand, and the king, descending into the arena,
proceeded to congratulate the victor.

Before he could do so, however, to his unbounded surprise, the queen
also descended with her daughter and threw her arms round the prin