heart."

[Illustration: HE TUGGED IN VAIN]

Though each guest tugged with all his might, he tugged in vain.

In the years that followed, many came and went, and all tried hard to
gain the sword, and still that magic blade slept on within the ash
tree's sheath.


THE VALIANT SIEGMUND

One very dark and stormy night, Siegmund, a brave warrior, wandered
alone in the forest.

That day a desperate battle had been fought.

As the darkness came on, Siegmund escaped from the enemy.

He had lost his weapons, and now he trudged through the pathless woods,
seeking some place where he might find balm for his wounds and shelter
from the raging storm.

He was almost exhausted when he caught sight of a flickering candlelight
in the window of a forest hut.

With the little strength that he had left, he dragged himself to its
door.