He then pursued the luckless emissary of the Evil One,
roaring and foaming with this unusual exertion. There was now no lack of
activity. A hawk among the chickens, or a fox in a farm-yard, were
nothing to it. Sometimes was seen the doughty Sir Ralph driving the
whole herd before him like a flock of sheep; but the original cause of
the mischief generally contrived to mingle with the rabble rout, who in
vain attempted to rid themselves of his company. The knight was not
over-nice in the just administration of his discipline. Often, when he
thought himself near enough for its accomplishment, he aimed a terrific
blow, but shot wide of the mark, bringing down the innocent and
unoffending victims, who strewed the floor like swaths behind the mower.
Whenever a lucky individual could disentangle himself from his comrades,
he darted through the door, and in spite of the storm and pitchy
darkness without, thought himself too happy in escaping with a few holes
in his skin. Yet he of the horns and tail, by some chance or another,
always passed unhurt; a hideous laugh accompanying the adroit
contrivances by which he eluded the cudgel.
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