THE TWO CAPTAINS.
Page: 41

of the city, with the full moon shining overhead and brightening the
solemn circle with its clear brilliancy--such was the spot. The two
captains unsheathed their gleaming swords and stood opposite each
other, ready for the encounter. But before they began the combat a
nobler feeling drew them to each other's arms; they lowered their
weapons and embraced in the most fraternal manner. They then tore
themselves away and the fearful contest began.

They were now no longer brothers-in-arms, no longer friends, no
longer brothers-in-law, who directed their sharp steels against each
other. With the most resolute boldness, but with the coolest
collectedness, each fell upon his adversary, guarding his own breast
at the same time. After a few hot and dangerous passes the
combatants were obliged to rest, and during the pause they regarded
each other with increased love, each rejoicing to find his comrade so
valiant and so honorable. And then the fatal strife began anew.

With his left hand Heimbert dashed aside Fadrique's sword, which had
been aimed at him with a thrust in tierce, sideward, but the keen
edge had penetrated his leathern glove, and the red blood gushed out.
"Hold!" cried Fadrique, and they searched for the wound, but soon
perceiving that it was of no importance, and binding it up, they both
began the combat with undiminished vigor.

It was not long before Heimbert's blade pierced Fadrique's right
shoulder, and the German, feeling that he had wounded his opponent,
now on his side called out to halt. At first Fadrique would not
acknowledge to the injury, but soon the blood began to trickle down,
and he was obliged to accept his friend's careful assistance. Still
this wound also appeared insignificant, the noble Spaniard still felt
power to wield his sword, and again the deadly contest was renewed
with knightly ardor.

Presently the garden-gate clanked, and the sound of a horse's step
was heard advancing through the shrubbery. Both combatants paused in
their stern work and turned toward the unwelcome disturber. The next
moment through the slender pines a horseman was visible whose dress