shelter from the night, this intruder may stay until the morning. Then
he shall fight for his life."

Siegmund knew now that he was in the house of the fierce Hunding.

Taking the woman by the arm, Hunding led her from the room, and Siegmund
was left alone to think how he might save himself.

Long he leaned upon the hearth in troubled silence. Then, knowing he
must flee, he turned toward the door.

That moment the last flickering light of the dying fire flashed upon the
hilt of the magic sword in the ash tree.

Siegmund saw it, and, springing forward, he grasped its hilt. Then,
bracing himself against the tree, with one mighty pull, behold! he drew
the bright blade from its sheath.


THE WAR-MAIDENS

Wotan gathered to Valhalla a company of nine war-maidens. They were
called the Walkuere.

They were strong, beautiful young women, who rode through the clouds
upon swift horses.

The horses could not only run on the ground; they could fly through the
air.