up into the sky. Just when we thought the rays of the sun would break over the embankment, a strong gust of wind rushed through the canyon. Instead of sunlight, a storm of clouds blew in, obscuring the light!
The troll began to attack the heroic man, but Thunderboy was quick, and could outmaneuver the beast. I was armed with the bow, and I unloaded my arrow into the troll ' s back. It made an excellent target, as it was turned towards Thunderboy, busily attempting to rip apart his limbs, but although the arrow stuck into the metal, they had no effect upon the beast ' s vitality.
As the fight drew closer to us, Thunderboy paused to throw me the key to our shackles! I caught it and began to undo the locks of all the workers as quickly as my hands, and gigantic sleeves, would allow!
The pause allowed the beast to seize Thunderboy! It began to whip him about like a rag doll, then tossed him numerous yards, and well over the embankment, where would could not see how he landed.
The workers began to scramble up the embankment, and the troll followed. I ushered all the workers out of harm ' s way, making sure all were unshackled. The giant was right on my heels as he chased me up the hill! I could feel the weight of his footfalls behind me!
As I leaped over the grassy mound at the top of the canyon, I could feel the beast ' s fingers wrap around my sleeves, which were dragging behind. I screamed as the Chinese workers rushed forward to pull me free, but they suddenly stopped.
I looked at them. They looked at me. There was no more movement behind me. I rolled over to look.
The rays of the sun cut through the clouds and illuminated the hole in the troll ' s helmet! The monster had turned to stone with my dress still clasped in his fist! The Chinese workers rejoiced and we gave each other many generous hugs!
Thunderboy came up to me, bruised and battered, and cut my sleeves free. He took me in his strong arms, his bare chest pressing against my body most firmly. At the moment, I found myself feeling very kindly toward Americans and I gave him a most delicate kiss. I turned away from Thunderboy ' s rather remarkable chest and joined the others in their rejoicing.
Tuesday, July the Thirteenth
Sir Hammerhorn drove our carriage down the streets of San Francisco, through the deepening fog, straight to the doorstep of the demon Ahrimanes. Sir Hammerhorn was quite pleased by all the looks he received, for in our cart was the massive stone giant, the troll, tied up in a rope and dangling precariously over the edge.
Brunhilde and I stood, linked arm and arm, and knocked on the door. The door opened and the light was swallowed up into a dark, inky mist.
" Have you come at last?" asked the creature inside.
" I present to you," Brunhilde said with a flourish. " An authentic European troll, turned to stone, and unlike any beast you will ever claim as captive!"
Ahrimanes peered into the street, and his face beamed with excitement.
" Aha!" he cried. " He shall make a fine addition to my upcoming attraction, my Bestiary Abode!"
" Now release my friend from your matrimonial bond!" I stated, firmly.
" And what ' s to stop me from taking you all captive for my collection?" The demon asked, creepily.
" English ladies and gentlemen," I said, stepping forward. " Do not allow their women to fall into the hands of demons. It is entirely according to English tradition that Captain Hammerhorn should cause you to come to a merciful death, first."
Sir Hammerhorn stood behind us, silver bullets at the ready.