Many of the combatants were hurled to the earth; but the white plume still waved, and Rodolph of Suabia was in mortal combat with Godfrey de Bouillon.

The giant had singled out Sandrit of Stramen, who spurred to meet him with equal avidity.

In an instant both riders rolled in the dust.

The antagonist of Sir Sandrit was the first to rise, and as the knight of Stramen staggered to his feet, the battle-axe of his opponent was poised above his head.

A moment more and the Lady Margaret would have been an orphan--for Frederick of Hohenstaufen's strength was not to be babied by steel casque or bars of proof.