Ab had reached the
fire wall with the speed of a great runner while, close behind him, came
his eager following.
The forces could see each other clearly enough now, and those on the
outside outnumbered those on the inside again by two to one. But those
leaping the flames could not alight poised ready for a blow, and there
were adroit and vengeful axmen awaiting them. There was a momentary pause
for planning among the assailants, and then it was that Ab fumed over his
own lack of foresight. His chosen band who were with him now were all
bowmen, and about the shoulder and chest of each was still slung his
weapon, but there were no more arrows. Each quiverful had been shot away
early in the fight and then had come the spear and ax play. But what a
chance for arrows now, with that threatening band preparing for the rush
and leap together, and, while out of reach of spear or ax, within easy
reach of the singing little shafts! Oh, for the shafts now, those slender
barbed things which were hurled in his new way! And, even as he thus
raged, there came a feeble shout from down the valley behind him and he
saw something very good!
Limping, with effort, but resolutely forward, was a bent old man, bearing
encircled within his long arms a burden which Ab himself could not have
carried for any distance without stress and labored breathing.
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