Winnetou the Apache Knight - Karl Friedrich May

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1898 edition. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER XII. A DUEL, AND CAPTURE BY THE APACHES. The Indians came slowly towards us; not all, but a large number of them, for Tangua had left a portion of them to guard the Apaches. On reaching the spot a hollow square was formed, of which three sides were filled in by Kiowas, our men occupying the fourth side. The chief then gave a signal, and from the ranks of the Indians strode a warrior whose proportions were absolutely gigantic. Laying aside all his weapons except his knife, he stripped off his clothing to his waist. No one could look upon his knotted muscles and not be anxious for me. The chief led him into the middle of the square, and announced to us in a voice ringing with the certainty of triumph: "Here stands Metan-Akva Lightning Knife, the strongest warrior of the Kiowas, whose knife no man has withstood; his enemy dies beneath his blows as though struck by lightning. He will fight Old Shatterhand, the pale-face." "Lord help us!" whispered Sam to me; "he's a real Goliath. My dear boy, it's all up with you." "Nonsense!" "Don't forget there's only one way to conquer this fellow, and that is to make the fight a short one. Let the end be quick, for he can tire you out, and then you're lost. How's your pulse?" He put his fingers on my wrist, counted, and then said: " Thank God, not more than sixty beats, and perfectly regular. You're not excited? Aren't you a bit afraid?" "It wouldn't do to be upset or afraid in a case that depends on calm blood and eye. The chief has selected this giant because he is invincible, and we'll see whether he really is so or not." While I was talking I, too, had stripped the upper part of my body, for, although it was not necessary, I did not wish it to appear that I desired to shield myself from the...