Then a low sound was heard , as of the edge of a knife touching a silver plate , and the king was so startled that he nearly dropped the knob . ` Quick ! quick ! ' cried the horse , and the king scrambled hastily through the small window , and leapt into the saddle . ` He has heard and he will follow , ' said the horse ; ` but we have a good start , ' And on they sped , on and on , leaving the winds behind them . At length the horse slackened its pace . ` Look and see who is behind you , ' it said ; and the young man looked . ' I see a swarm of brown horses racing madly after us , ' he answered . ` We are swifter than those , ' said the horse , and flew on again . ` Look again , O king ! Is anyone coming now ? ' ' A swarm of black horses , and one has a white face , and on that horse a man is seated . He is the king of the oak windows . ' ` That is my brother , and swifter still than I , ' said the horse , ` and he will fly past me with a rush . Then you must have your sword ready , and take off the head of the man who sits on him , as he turns and looks at you . And there is no sword in the world that will cut off his head , save only that one . ' ' I will do it , ' replied the king ; and he listened with all his might , till he judged that the white-faced horse was close to him . Then he sat up very straight and made ready . The next moment there was a rushing noise as of a mighty tempest , and the young man caught a glimpse of a face turned towards him . Almost blindly he struck , not knowing whether he had killed or only wounded the rider .
But the head rolled off , and was XXXXX in the brown horse 's mouth .
caught dropped judged killed leaving said save seated take turned