There was a wicked-looking apparatus attached to the collar of the German broomstick, obviously designed to squirt unpleasant enchantments downward.

This contrivance was apparently giving some trouble, for the German was so busy attending to it that at first she did not see or hear the approach of Harold and his rider.

She was aroused to her danger by a heavy chunk of magic which struck and nearly unseated her.

In a second, however, she was ready with a parrying enchantment, and the fight began.

The two broomsticks reared and circled round each other, and over and under each other.