A thunderstorm had suddenly gathered, and the report of the distant bolt came upon the ear, mingling with the still more appalling clash of the beam against the gate.
Brief indeed was the repose of the palmer before he was again at the embrasures.

Bold as he was, he trembled as a blinding flash poured a flood of livid light over the plain and castle.

It was not the sudden bolt that awed him; but the lightning streamed upon a host of armed men, stretching away as far as the eye could reach.

They were not half a mile off.

Another flash leaped out, and revealed a forest of spears.