come the
heroes to Isenland.

When Siegfried and his comrades passed through the great gateway, and
came into the castle-yard, their horses were led away to the stables,
and the clanging armor and the broad shields and swords which they
carried were taken from them, and placed in the castle armory. Little
heed was paid to Hagen's surly complaint at thus having every means of
defence taken away. He was told that such had always been the rule at
Isenstein, and that he, like others, must submit.

After a short delay the heroes were shown into the great hall, where the
matchless Brunhild already was awaiting them. Clad in richest raiment,
from every fold of which rare jewels gleamed, and wearing a coronet of
pearls and gold, the warrior-maiden sat on a throne of snow-white ivory.
Five hundred earl-folk and warriors, the bravest in Isenland, stood
around her with drawn swords, and fierce, determined looks. Surely men
of mettle less heroic than that of the four knights from Rhineland would
have quaked with fear in such a presence.

King Gunther and his comrades went forward to salute the queen. With
a winning smile she kindly greeted them, and then said to Siegfried,
"Gladly do we welcome you back to our land, friend Siegfried, We have
ever remembered you as our best friend. May we ask what is your will,
and who are these warriors whom you have with you?"

"Most noble queen," answered he, "right thankful am I that you have
not forgotten me, and that you should deign to notice me while in the
presence of this my liege lord," and he pointed towards King Gunther.
"The king of all Burgundy-land, whose humble vassal I am, has heard the
challenge you have sent into different lands, and he has come to match
his strength with yours."

"Does he know the conditions?" asked Brunhild.

"He does," was the answer. "In case of success, the fairest of women for
his queen: in case of failure, death."

"Yet scores of worthy men have made trial, and all have failed," said
she. "I warn your liege lord to pause, and weigh well the chances ere he
runs so great a risk."

Then Gunther stepped forward and spoke:--

"The chances, fairest queen, have all been weighed, and nothing can
change our mind. Make your own terms, arrange every thing as pleases
you best. We accept your challenge, and ask to make a trial of our
strength."

The warrior-maiden, without more words, bade her servants help her to
make ready at once for the contest. She do