Newspapers / The Charlotte Observer (Charlotte, … / March 4, 1906, edition 1 / Page 12
Part of The Charlotte Observer (Charlotte, N.C.) / About this page
This page has errors
The date, title, or page description is wrong
This page has harmful content
This page contains sensitive or offensive material
u- ' l t 1 A! -' wu ft i I I1 t t the vhite tommy ,, pi -i y a ixxnaj -pmus " - v o.a, Author f "tM A4tentmre of Sherlock Holmes," "A Study in Scmr( ' "; lee," "The HobixI of TIM BsskervtlleV "Bfyoinl the City," EM. ' ;.sV, V" CHAPTER XXI I. ' ' How tbe Bowmen Held Wasaail at , 1 ' the Roae Do GoJenne." i j- "Mon Dleu! Alleyne, saw you ever- so , JVV-' lovely A face? cried Ford a they hurried along logeuier. DO pure, no peacciui and so beautiful!" . "In seolh, yen. And the hue of the kin the most perfect that ever I saw. Marked you also how the hair curled round the brow? It was wonder fine." "Those eyes, too!" cried Ford. "How clear and how tender simple, and yet so full of thought!" "If there was a weakness it was In the Chin," said Alleyne. "Nay, 1 8 w none." "It was well curved, It is true." "Moat dnlntily go." "And yet " "What then. Alleyne? Wouldst find flaw In the siin?" "Well, bethink you. Ford, would not more power and expression h:ive been rut Into the face by a long and noble beard?" "Holy Virgin! cried Ford, the man il mad. A beard on the face of little Tlta!" "Tital Who spoke of Tlta?" "Who (poke of aught elue?" 'It was the picture of 8t. Remy, man, f which I have been dlsr-ourslng.'' . "You are Indeed," erred Ford, laugh ing, "a Goth, Hun. and Vandal, with all the other hard nanus which tin- old man called up. How eould you think ho r ,,!,n,.r,tu whri there was such a picture painted by the God himself In the very room with you. d. w, i ,i,i-" "If it please yoii, sirs." said an archer, i dred chosen knights came straight for it, of the younger men, Sir Percy of North running across to them, "Aylward and I and, indeed, they were very brave men, umberlnnd, Sir Ihoma Wake of York- others would he right glad to sec you. Thy are within here. He hade me h;iv to you that the ljrd I-orlng will nut neea sour service to-ngiht, as he. sleeps "By my faith!" said Ford, "we do not need a guide to lead us to their pr.s- tbey found themselves rn a long, narrow; enc. As he Hpoke there came a roar his ey-. and mv lrd Audiey wnn iiih . iuwi, Of singing from the tavern upon the four fheshlre squires, and a f-w others; I eutonlc Order. The older soldiers among right, with shouts of laughter and of like kidney, and after them went the he, English shook their heads as they Stamptng of feet. I'asslng under a low prince and fhandos. and then the whole, i lookr-d upon the escutcheons of these fa a ,i. n.n ri4:,..n 1 1 hr,i ,.t , nh ov ,,n,l w,,rd for mous warriors, for they were all men hall lit up by a pair of blazing torches, It was a foolish thing, for wo came from one at either end. Trusses of straw hail it lie hedges, and there was naught ! been thrown down along the walls, and i jruard che baggage bad they ridden round reclining en them were some twenty or ' behind us. Mut all went well with U8, thirty archers, all of tne Company, their ! a,nd the king was taken, and little Hob Steel caps and Jacks thrown off, their! by Withstaff and I fell In with a wain tanic open, and their great limbs i with twelve firkins of wine for th sprawling upon the clay floor. At every! king's own table, and, by my hilt! If man' elbow stood his leathern black-1 you ask me what happened after thai, Jack of ber, while at the further end I cannot answer you, nor can little Hob a hogshead with Its end knocked in j by Withstaff cither." promised an abundant supply for the; "And next rluy?" future. Behind the hogshead, on u. half "Ry my faith! we did not tarry long, but circle of kegs, boxs and rude settled, ; we hind hack to llordeatix. where we Sat Aylward, John, Kiaca Simon and; came In safety with the King of France three or four other lending n u of the. and also the feu ( her-bed. I sold my spoil archer, together with Goodwin Haw- tms garcons, for as many gold pieces tayrwv the masler-shlpman, who had left j us I could hold In my hufken, and for hi yellow con In the river to tiave a last reunl with bin friends of the company, Ford and Alleyne took their seals be tween Aylward and Hl.'o k Hlition, with out their entrance checking in any de gree the huhhuh which was going on. "Ale, me camnrnoes.' cneo ine now mao, "or shall It be wine? Nay. but ye must have the one or the other. Here, Jacques, thou limb of the devil, bring a bottrlne of the oldest vernage. and see that you do not shake It. Hast heard the tiews?" "Nay." cried the squires. - "That w are to have a brave tour- A tourncv?" "Aye, lads For the Cnptat du Huch "I thought that mayhap It might be hath sworn that he will find live knight" as to who should have this feather-bed from this side of the water who will ride , of thlmi" over any five Englishmen who ever threw, ' If 1 come down to you, Hllas, I may reg over saddle; and Chnndos hath taken I")' my belt across your shoulders,'' Ayl--tlp the challenge, and the prince hath 'ward answered, amid a general shout of promised u golden vase for the man who , laughter., "Hut It Is time young chlck- en carrles hlmselt ncm, and all tho court i IS In a bu?.!i over It " - "Why should the knights have all the Btiort?" growled Hordle John. "Could tny not set up tlve archers for the hon or of Aoullalne and of Oascony?'' "Or five men-at-arms," said Black Kl raon. "Dut who are the Kngllsh knights?" asked llswtayne. "There are three hundred and forty one In the town." s.i Id Aylward. "and I hear that three hundred and forty cartels and defiamers have slreHdy been sent In, the only one mlsclriK being Sir John Ha vensholme, who Is In hi ben" with the sweating sickness, and annot set foot to ground." "I have heard of It from one of the archers of the jruard." cried a tmwnian prince wished to break a la ne'e, but that1'1'1"" f""iklln he hath gone Jo roam, Chandos would not ln-ar of II. for the game Is llk'ly to In- a rough one." "Then there Ik Chandos." "Nsy. the prince would not permit It. We Is to be marshal of Hie Hula, with Sir William Felton anil I he inie d'Armagnae, The English will be the ,r, Audlc, Blr Thomas Percy. Blr Thomas Wak, 81r William lli-aiii-h-iinp anil our own Very good lord and .-adiu ." Hurrsh for lirr God he with is honor to him!" crb-d wvi-iiil ' H draw string In his m'rwr "80 you rna wi-ll nn, ' "By my ten linger hones: behind the fs-nnon of in,. are like to see all that man would lh to see garcons. you laugh, but ild A yl wa ni 1 1' you iiiiiii li th e ro-, s you a good bow Tla ' yes. roes j by m v Mil ! j yotl may net laugh when you find your selves where he will take you, f.,i vou ran never till what stiaiige 'vow In may not have swot 11 to I a, 1 that he h-is a pstrh over Ills i-ve, even as he bad at Polctlers. There will mrne tiloodslo il of that rmlch. r,r I am the niore mistaken " "How ehs.ieed it al I'oli-tlers. good Master Aylward'' a-ked one i,f n,,. young arc hers b-nnlrig upon his elbows, lh hi eyes llxe,) resoeel fully upon I la Old bowman's ruggiil lace. Ay. Aylward, t -l I ns of Hordle John. "Here Is to old Sunkln shouted several at ih,- furtlui room, waving their black a air. "Ask hltn!" said A -, Iwaii nodding towards lil.uk f-mm II. i-1 led Avlwaid''" end of Ci iks III t III- modest I . i I. more than 1 did And 'l. bv the hoiv na 1 1 s there was not very nnali that 1 did not see either " "Ah, yes." said Slnn.. sb.ik:ng ids head. "It was a great d.n 1 n.-.ei- b .p,. to see s-ieli anolhir ii-, i. wr t.,,i.,, flne sreliers who dri w !h lr i .1 wMf that di-v We sliall ncv r si e blur in, n Avtwsrd " "By mv hlb " by WlthstufT. and Watt rir Then- was lldh Ibrb ind Anili . w H.ilbl.i-! i , AKl-.ne wlei br-,k" '.t tb, German M-ic the neck Ideii! wh.il mi-ii I hey iv, M ' vu w'iI-V ai long Inula Take thm h- Or Short, l.oylcw. rout,,s or rovers, hit ter bowmen neor tuhl-d a shaft over ihelr thumb-nails '" "But th. jig-ht . Vlwmii. the tight" cried several unj a 1 1. i,t!i lt me (III my bu s brut, tecs, for it I a thirsty I Me II Was nt tbe brsl fill Of the lenf thnl Ihe prtric- a, forth, and he paasoal thturh Amo-en. n. ii.fi and Anfoti, i.ri'l Toiir.ijne lu Auvergnn the maids are kind tun tb,- wn- nr sour. In Berry It Is h- w..m.-t. tha' :n- SOUr, but the wines !1T r i-li Anjoil Imw- JVr, Is n M-ry good ,,n for bi.'wno n for wine and women ai, all that beau wish. If) T'.wr:.iiM- I got rioil.lr.K llv,. n fcroVen pate but ni V, t , ,,,, i bad a great good fortune for I b.-.ii K,,,, f1 IMCX from the minister for which l ,f terwitd sot G no-m Ian... f, ii... , goldsmith In the Hi;c M.-i-l nil, i- From theneo we west to Hoarse wh, -e t j,.d w ....if. .i iniiiip-eiiiMr. ii sps at ii a virv flne nsir of sb.a aval, i...:i- , .o, . va 4wn of silver" ' ' ' ". . - ii ,... MlWvwtiir nn'lifi """ 'r " i . "Iwbt from n,an' t. ,i lit. I ratan'tn tMnk C . them Benin seelns- il.nl . ' 1 o II thlliy-lneh haft tiad feathered In his buck. j- aV.t ii .i. . i wun anuiiiavien " u-J-, " t" , if.irtler -bore of ' VL "!" l""'H"l"l' Ocean Hire flult.l a ... ..n .: " .'- "':"' ''' ' ""'" l" iooim nMdir.eiiB..ii bearing nvinho! nod bl,i,..,r. , . "rTbLtle AvlwiedT " B tM'f"" i f r"!." h - iwnnla.. the wilds it l prince, oarrled nwsy oy tne nmbl- f . faaT naV iee .. , ''' JIi.nla. -nid the motinlNlti strong- i tl'rtis dream. "There Is still the city of . ' TlJe la S T'li rr,Ml,r thi'''lH':r ,,L h''ul" "f H"K'i-y: f-t chivalry was of 4 ".mstantin.- to Is. taken, and war to be . Tbr l little i U. 1,7. t ?" "" ' ""' n"r W',H "' ngalnst Ihe ldan of Damascus. K. aw hLS u , . "',?"' "IW ll'-it tho f.,,,,.. and nam., of , And bevond him again tlw I tribute ' win Ss Al lS,,n i '' I".'"-: ',',, '!"' 'in-d through It to ts levied fiom Hie Cham of TaiWy , Wa4sjSnM mS, ,.?b , i,?..!.1 .hf7 f1'' ,"ir'1, r ,(' u,w '""'' i"" from th kingdom of Cathay, it'. MAWu"A9Jla-TJLh 1' .,G however w ,e etHie-ns-nt John, what say vnV Can we not g os C It i oorsrl. y'tr rnvwlf. J had a lerirnwl that on tho tblid WrAntmAv o H..rl?" - BfNI "Iflrnr-IUH1-4I fnttlV aVhlial. lll 1 A .1. .t. , .- , .. --- a .'.;:.ie.i- ming wnim yoy will! . ?SZ,,n 10" v wurs-ar In Knv land Tou have t,. Anvw and land woH hold the llsta ,n iu JTt i??. 7.1? ',r " H- iwwnrt. .The great en, muV .fn"uler5e tauU, and 1r It fir, ia srmr. II w aetar of the cfaiteot. and tho fact t Ati tt mini thii I omiM ia a k. ,..in'a.u - . ' !' : -u" I have it now in a very sale place near Lyndhurst." ' "And what then,' master-bowman ?" asked Hawtayne. "By St. Christopher! It Is indeed a fair and goodly life which you have chosen, for you gather up the spoil aa a Warsash man gathers lobsters, without grace or favor from any man. "Tou are right, rnater-8hlpman." said another of the older archers. "It is an old bowycr'a rede that the second feath er of a fenny goose Is better than the pinion of a name one. Draw on, old lad, for I have come between you and the clout." "On we went than," said Aylward af ter a long pull at his .hiack-jack. "There were some six thousand of us, with the prlnco and his knights, and the feather bed upon a sutler's mule in the centre. We jnude great havoc in TouraJne. uniil we came Into Romorantin. where I chanced upon a gold chain and two bracelets of JuflDer. which were stolen from me the same day by a blank-eyed wench from tho Ardennes. Mon Dieul there are some folk who have no fear of Uonienday In them, and no sign of grace in their souls, for ever clutching and and clawing ut another's chattels. "But the battle, Aylward, the battle!" cried several, amid a burst of laughter. "I come to it. my young war-pups. Well, then, the King of France had fol lowed u with fifty thousand men. and he made greut haste to catch us, but when he had us he scarce Knew What I,. H r. will. 1 1 ii f i it- wv. vacrt In drawn in umone hedges and vineyards that j they could not come nigh u, save hu i,.,,,. On hmh siirn, wum nrehem ( men-at-arms and knights behind, and in,"' t i -., ''"" nmpinire, the centre the baggage, with my tenth- who was hold to be the second lance In L.. i.-a ,. 0,,ti,.r-a m,iit Tbrei. him- the army, were easily fixed upon. Then. jpon )en I hut such u drirt of arrows met iih-iti timt i hut 'such u drift of arrows met tlo iri tlmt I few came back. Then came the lermani, ami they alo fought very bravely, hu that one or two broke through the nrch- but all to no purpose. Then out rides our wn lit hothead with the patch over we had nhot away our arrows. Ma i seven days I lit twelve, wax cnndlea upon the altar of St. Andrew; for If y forget the blessed when things are well with you. they are very likely to forget you when you hnve need of them. 1 have s score of one hundred and nineteen pounds of wax against the holy Andrew i and. as he was a very Just man. I doubt I not that I shall have full weight and loeanire when I have mont need of It ' "Tell me. master Aylward tied a ! young frewh-faced nniu-r at the further end of I he room battle about?" what was thia great "Why, you Jack-fool, what would It he i about save who should wear the crown iof France?" ens went 10 roost wnen tncy uare cack le ngnliist their eiders, It is late, Hl- mon. "Nay. let us have nnothcr song." "Here Is Arnold of Bowly will troll as good a ntavo as any man In the Com pany." "Nay. we have one here who Is second to none," said Hawtayne. laying his hand upon big John's shoulder. "I have heard him on the cog Willi a voice like the wave upon the shore. I prav you, fi-i'Tid, to Rive iih -The Hells of Milfyn,' or. If you will. 'The Franklin's Maldy " lloidlo John ilvew the hack of his hajid in rosp, niw iiiiiuui. nxcn nis eyerpon Ills inouill. tlxeil Ills eyes. -rton ii-i of Ihe celling, and beflowed , n a voice whnh made the torch J . ine cor forth. I linker, the southland ballad for which la- had been asked Ihe franklins rnnld she bides at home. llut she is cold and coy and staid. And who may win the franklin's maid'.' There came n knight of high renown In bnsMnet and clclalnun, 'in bended knee full lung he prayed. He might not win the franklin's maid There T-ame a srinlre so di-bonalr, Ills lr-Ks was rich, his words were fair, lie sweetly sang, he deftly played; He could not win the franklin's maid. ! There came a mercer wonder. fine ! Wilh e i cap arid gaberdine ; ! For all his ships, for nil hi- Had I lie could not buy th,. franklin's n i:. I'l. Theri cam an archer Iwrbl ;in, true Willi bracer guard and stave of ew; His purse w.,s light, his Jerkin fiayi-d; lliii", alas, tin- f rn n kiln's malil! Oh. some have laughed and some have lied And some have scoured the country-side" Itiii off Gov ri'le through wood and glade The bow man and I be franklin's maid. A roar of dillght from bis : wilh stamping of feel and be bl.n k .i ks agalnsl ihe ground. bow I Inn O'lghl V the XI i l ir WIIH II, lie, Itlng Si W I lo II 1 I1 wlilb- .1 1 1 1 1 ii oioilesllv retired into ni p"t which In- limine. I lc four gulps "I sang thai ditty In Hot die Kb. I all leu-Ac ii.- 1 cm r Ih ought to be an h. I tp -.1 1" qiuith lir I' ll up M.ur st. nips' i ii.i1 III, i, it SI oi. ii.iu-ilin Ills own goblet Into il.,. .. I,.i,.-.i.l In fr.inl ,,f him. ", n- ,s I -t - .. to il,.- While ( ".iinp-iin . a no i . 1 i . . Inn who walks lniilii.1 i be ''s -o I ...t li e '" i" w I. Ihe flax anil the gatnl-. - Mini, ' -.ml an old grav-hendcl nr. b n I ', I lull! "'" colic ... nnd the king of -I. bo .! ii, arit al fourteen ....!.' I ion ., bl i . d war"' -Ii.uil.l1 fourth .M. . J,'., a -1,1 1 1 w' lo c. IIH-!' ' III. nio-i gold to the Id.il a blill hi. st ' lal beat I " I inI , up to tbe nialds of i.- I Ai Iward. "A ' "o sli inly hand toil t I -l- , - e ! I il'.'.l III ! It"-' b -I !i -i.l SI. .1.1 hoi s . so lei two ipui 1 1 s P-. i lion " With shoot and ng llu-v slnaiind f. II. Hi In li.. and ill was pea .1" Gnlr-iim i fill nni - i! Cll l"n:n XXIII Hum laiglaml Hi-Id the I.Ku at Hiir tlrnux. S.. iih. ,1 iMi,. lb, -,,, , liiugbeis of l!,ir- 1. ...IX SO-" I. no I 1 I b. Ill iiuhIi.iI oMsplai and kniuhilv . fin i lb. i' r, llnarv Joust or lournn- "Melhlnks that we ,oiild do anything '" '' ev. ivd.iv matter with more pleasing to Out 1-aidy than to drive ! in r.oie an, i brilliancy ..f ihe, the heat hen Moors out of the country." s ..to I had drawn the kuishis. ' "I am with yon. Kdward. as true hs pi IU- i uid piiisulvpkiiis.or.irins from e..ii p-tt i,r Fnrorie. In the long llsts:sball not let these Moors make mock 1" "'"""a f'n imp lemiwani side iif.nl J'' ' " slrai-kie loinlial then hni Is when th.- Teutonic u ir.sh fro. n the conquisl of n,ei"Aml It Is the dream of my heart that il"'oss,.in biaiben ran a i-oiirse aBninst 1 our Kngllsh pennons shall wave upon Ul" ''l'' 'f ''a'atrava. Imr.bnel bv the Mount of Olives, and tho lions and intninuni sriuege nu.-i tin l lie fo,tt-a ni- eaVHlielS lro-n I'orl.iinl broke -, I with S-anilliiayh.n wiirrlors from ihernin have ilea red a path to Parts, and Ine great Northern - nie.ni inie nini.reu iriinv an -uiiliiid j Advent there would be held naisnre storms In ahlc'i tlve knights V, 57,. .Woody war, all . 'united 'to make "th vent ona oi me most noiaoie toa orn llant that Bordeaux had even soon, on th v of the contest th peasants flock ed in from the whole district of the Medoc, and tho Held beyond -tho wall were wniteaeo . wun - ine tent oi mueo who could And no warmer lodging. From the distant camp of Dax, too, and from , u r 1 1 ' . c,, m n-.nu MilUyV, OWtlffi MUUUT1I Aillllliun, Castlllon, 8C. Macalra, Cardillao, yons, and alt tho cluster of nourishing towns which look upon Kordeax as their moth er, thera thronged an unceasing stream of horsemen and of footmen, alt con verging upon the: great city. By ' tha morning of the day on which tho courses were to run, not less than eighty people had assembled round tho Hats and along the low grassy ridge which look down upon tne scene oi the encounter. - It was, aa may well be imagined, no easy matter among so many noted cava liers to choose out five on either aide who should have precedence over their fellows. A score of secondary combats had nearly arisen from tbe rivalries and bad blood created by the selection, and it was only the Influence of tho prince and tho efforts of the older barons which kept the peace among so many eager and fiery soldier. Not till the day before the courses were tha shields finally hung out for the Inspection of tho ladies and the heralds, so that all men might know the names of the champions and have tlit opportunity to prefer any charge against them, should there bo stain upon them which should disqualify them from taking part in so noble and honoraDle a ceremony. Sir Hugh Calverley and Sir Robert K nolle ha4 not yet returned from their raid Into tho marches of the Navarre, so that tho English party were deprived of two of their most famous lances. Yet there remained so many good names that Chnndos and Felton. to whom tho selec tion had been referred, had many an earnest consultation, in which every feat of nrnis and failure or success of each ' candidate was weighed and balanced against the rival claims of his compan- iions. ixii u n ucuey oi (..nesnire. ine nero I ,!'r'-. and Sir William Beauchjrip of "' "', , " k i 7, uul, Vi . uphold the honor of Kngland. On the other side were the veteran Captal de Much and the brawny Olivier de Clisson w.'fl the free companion Sir Perducas " ln Miiinni ijorn or aiuciaeni. who had spent their lives upon tho sad- lle. and bravery and strength can avail little ngalnst experience and wisdom of war, "My my faith! Sir John," said the prince as he rode through the winding streets on his way to the list, "I should hae been glad to have splintered a lance to day. You have seen me hold a spear since I had strength to lift one, and should know best whether I do not merit a place among this honorable company." "There I no better sent and no truer lance, sire," said Chandns; "but, If I may way so without fear of offence, it were not fitting that you should Join in this debute." "And why, Sir John?" "Because, sire. It is not for you to take part with Gascons against English, or with Kngllsh agalnxt Gascons, see ing that you are lord of both. We are not too well loved by the Gascons now, and it is but the Kolden link of your princely coronet which holds us together. If that be snapped I know not what would follow." 'Stummed. Sir John" crld 4h nrlnPA whh an angry sparkle In his dark eyes. hat manner of talk Is this? You speak as though the allegiance of our ! people were ri thing which might be thrown off or on like a falcon's jessel." "With a sorry hack one uses whip and spur, sire." said Chnndos; "but with a horse of blood and spirit a good cavalier Is gentle and soothing, coaxing rather than forcing. These folk are strange peo ple, and you must bold their love, even as you have It now, for you will get from their kindness what all the pen nons In your army could not wring from them." "You are ovwr-grnvo to-day, John," the prince answered, "We may keep such questions for our council chamber. Rut how now, my brothers of Spain, and of Majorca, what think you of this chal lenge ,,,,,, , , , . 1 look to see some handsome. Joist-;,M1r rig, said lion t'edro, who rodo with the King ot Majorca upon the right oi the j issst or the victors hath the prize, and pi-nee while ha lidos was on the left. ; h who lB paig.d best of the other par Hj St. James of t ompostella! but these tv hath R jeweled clasp. Shall I order burghers would bear some taxing. Sec to; that the fiakirs sound, sire?" the broad.cloth and velvet that the, The prince nodded, and the trumpets rogues bear tinon Ihelr hacks! Rv mvl-... JT... ,,, ip .,.,. ,.. . m,,. ', 'r"' '. ' ,,n . w" " "', ubjects they ''' L. ' " wear faldlng " "' """ " , oiciu. I'.llt mayhap It Is best lo let the Wool : KPow ong .-re you clip It." li I,-, "III III IU ine prince answer- I coldly, "that we rule over freemen aild tiol slaves." "Kv.i v man to his own humor," said , , however, restored the hopes of the I edro carelessly, "larajo! there is Uiatiackers In beating to the ground Sir sweer face at yonder window! Don Fct-1 'i-i1mu w.Ue ,,t VnrltV,ire Sr. mr .ruiil I pray you to mark the house. ! ami lo hav llie maid hi ought to us at j I he abbey." ! "Nay, brother-, nay!" rrled the prince iinpa I lent l ', "I Ihiv'o hud occasion to tell 'Mm more than once that things are not , oi di red in this way In Aqultnine." "A thousand pardons, dear friend," tho Spaniard answered quickly, for a flush 1 anger had sprung to the dark cheek i of ihe Kngllsh prince. "You make my x i 1 1- so like a home that I forget ut ilmis 1 1 i.i t I am not In very truth back in Casiil-. Kvery land hath Indeed Ifs "ni" and manners- but I promise vnu. Kilwnrd. Hint when you are my guest i in iol.-ilo or Madrid you shall not vi-ani In vain for any commoner's daughter on whom you may deign to cast your Your talk, sire." said the prince still mor,- coldly. "Is not such as I love to hear front your lips. I have no taste, for i su.ii amours as you speak of, and ij "I prav that mv vase mny Join them," hav.- sworn that my name shall bn I said the prim e. "Hut here Is the cava . oiiple.l with that of no woman save my Her of Germany, and by my soul! ho mi dear wife." looks like a man of great valor and Cm i the mirror of true chivalry:" I hardiness. Let them run their full three . v .-burned I'edro. while James of Ma-I courses, for the Issue la over-great to i-.i- .i. It'igliieni-.l at the stern cninte-j hang upon one." name of their all powerful, plucked hard l As the prima spoke, amid a loud flonr ut Hi.- mantle of his brother exile, Ish of trumpets and the shouting of the ' Have a carf usln," he whispered; Gascon purl v. the last of the assnil- ' Tor th.- sake of the Virgin have a cure, auts rode gallantly Into the lists. He was l -i ,.m have angered hhn " n,lin of great size, clad In halck ar- I'shuw' tear not." the other answer .mor without blazonry or ornament of -.I in the same low tone. "If I miss oiii';uny kind, lor all worldly display was for- M 1 'l" sliik- him on the next, i bidden bv tin- rules of the military broth- M.uk tin else Fair cousin." he con tin- i ei hood to which he belonged. No plume d. mi ning to Ihe prince, "iheso be . or noblov fluttered from his plain tllt- n-al-arms and lusty bowmen, itjlng snlade. and even his lance was de wi old be hard lndcc! to match them." i b. y hay Jouriieyad far. sire, but I bev have never yet found their match." Nor never will. I doubt not. I feel myself to be back upon my throne when I look al t hem. Hut tell mo. dear cox. what shall we do next, when we have .IiImii this bastard llepry from the Kingdom which he ho III filched?" ' We shall then compel the King of A. ....... lo ,,ln,.,i .., fiA . i . ... a. , t'i'tho ' jiniiT-'n "i j-mijinjT upiui ine "Noble and generous prince!" cried the Huh- monarch. "That done," mid King Pedro, glanc ing out of the corners of his eyes at Ihe young conqueror, "we shall unite the fore a of Kiighinii. of Aquitalhe, of Spain, and of Marjorca. It would be shame to us If We did hot do some great bed wilh such forces ready to our na no "You say truly, brother," cried the niim - e, his eyes kindling at the thought hilt to bliub'. But. bv St. JaillM! Wrt ns mm over tne sea. we must take en maiiv'sbtp and thrust them from Africa. "lly heaven, yes!" cried the prince. llnul n-er ine tiolv i.llt". "Ami arhv mil .tsar mil .tiM kna. w bv not to Jerusalem? Once there, your at ma might resi "Xnv there la more In he don- t il.l .IaIim m-ltl f . iiAm. - ia'O mid tlia rugged soldier, "By my mmh as- long ss 1 am sencsehsl f Aqiiltaino I will find enough to do in guarding tb marehe which yoq ;hnv untrusted to tn. It - wnilkl bo a blithe day for I ho King of France wbn be heard that tho Mas U batwoan Blm and WL" m, . "By my soul! John!" aaid tho prince, T liavo never Known you turn laggard ' "The babbtlna- hound, aire.' ! not al way tho first , at the jnort,'1 , the old knight nwereJ. ; , . t "Kay,- my truo heartj I baya tried you too often not to know. But, by my soul! I have not seen so denser a throng since tne oay wa Drought King rfonn oown It waa . Indeed ? an enormoua ; crowd whlcn covered tho whole vast plain from tho, line of vineyards to the river bank. From tho northern gate tho prince and hi companion looked down al , a dark sea, of head, brightened hero and thero by the colored hoods of tho women, or by tho sparkling , head-ploc.es of archers and men-at-arms. In the centro -ot- thia vast assemblage the lists seemed but a narrow atrip of green marked out with banner and streamers, while a gleam of wnue witn a nutter or oennons at eitner end showed where the marquee were pitched, which served aa the dressing rooms of the combatants. A path had ooen staged on from the city gate to tne stands which had been erected t for the court and the nobility. Down this, amid the shouts of the enormous multitude, the prince cantered with his two at tendant king, his hlrh officers of state. and his long train of lords and ladles, courtiers,- counsellors and soldier, with toss of plume end flash of Jewel, (been of silk and glint of gold as rich and gallant a show as heart could wish. Tha head of tho -cavalcjide had reached the list era the reap had come clear of the city gate, for tho fairest and tho bravest had assembled from all the broad land which are watered by the Dordogno and the Garonne. Here rode dark-browed cavaliers from tha sunny south, ' fiery soldiers from Oascony, graceful courtiers of ' Limousin or Saintonge, and ' gallant young englishmen from beyond, the seas. Here too were the beautiful brunette of the Gironde, with eyes which out-flashed their Jewels, while beside them rode their blonde listers of Kngland, clear- cut and aquiline, swathed in swans' down and ermine, for the air was bit ing though the sun was bright. Slowly the long and glittering train wound into the lists, until every horse had been tethered by the varlets in waiting, and every lord and lady seated In the long stands which stretched, rich in tapestry and velvet and blazoned arms, on either side of the centre of tin? arena. The holders of the lists occupied the end which was nearest to the city gate. Ther, In front of their respective pavllllons, flew the martlets of Audley, the roses of Coring, the scarlet bars of Wake, the lion of the I'ercles and tha silver wings of the Benuchamps. each supported by a siiuire dad in hanging green stuff to represent so many Tritons, and bearing a huge conch-shell in their lett nands. .Behind the tents the great war horses, armed at all points, champ ed and reared, while their masters sat at' the doors ot their pavllllons, with their helmets upon their knees, chatting as to the order of the day's doings. The Kngllsh archers and men-at-arms hud mustered at the end of the lists, but the vast majority of the spectators were In favor of the attacking party, for the English had declined In popularity ever since the bitter dispute as to the dispos al of the royal captive after the battle of Polctlers. Hence the applause was by no means general when the herald-at-arms proclaimed, after a flourish of trumpets, the names and styles of the knights who were prepared for the hon or jf their country and for the love of their ladles, to hold the field against all who might do them the favor to run a course with them. On tho other hand, a deafening burst of cheering greeted tho rival herald, who, advancing from the other end of the lists, rolled forth the well-known titles of the five famous warriors who had accepted the defiance. "Faith, John," said the prince, "It sounds as though you were right. "Ha! my grace D'Armagnae. it seems that "ur 1 rlt,nd8 on V"" "i"1'' Wl" ".15 J".'OV" If our Kngllsh champions lose the day. "It mny be so, sire." tho Gascon noble man answered. "I have little doubt that In Smlthfield or at Windsor an English crowd would favor their own country men." "Hy my faith! that's easily seen," said the prince, laughing, "for a few score Kngllsh urchers at yonder end arc bel lowing a.s though they would out-shout the mighty multitude. 1 fear that they will -have little to .shout over this Jour ney, for my gold vase has small pros pect of crossing the water. What are the conditions. John?' "They arc to tilt singly not less than three courses, sire, and the victory to rest with that party which shall have I won tne greater nunim r or courses, eacn continuing till one or other have r, won the greater number of courses, each '"" "ul- l"' naio in iouc r,,rtn onr im,.r ,,. otllPri PIU., meeting h)B opponent in the centre of the lists. Hir William llcauoimmp went down he- fre the nractir-al lanee of the Canlal , Kurh. Sir Thomas Percy won the U - .m,. no n ij,,,i f M,,ol..,,i uh ih, ih inHi,,, in.,-ii air porn. ,i ai l,..rl fmm ll, v.l.lln Th hnrlu 1 o Clls there was little to choose betwixt chal- lengers and cliallengid, Hy Hamt James or Santiago: cried Don Pedro, with a tinge of color upon his pale cheeks, "win who will, this has bean a most notable contest." "Who comes ipxt for lOnglaml. John?" asked the prince In a voice which quiv ered with excitement. "Sir Nigel l.oririK of Hampshire, sire." "Ha! he Is a man of good courage, and skllbd In the use of all weapons." "He Is indeed, sire. But his eyes, like my own. are the worse for wars. Yet lie can tilt or play his part at hand-strokes as merrily a.s evcrr. It waa he, sire, who won tho golden crown which Queen lie is now ready, sire." lie said, "al Pblllppa. your rovnl mother gave, to be j belt his destrier has traveled many Jousted for by ail the knights of Eng- miles this day, and fast, for we were In land after the harrying of Calais. 1 have, fear lest we come too late for the Joust- heard that at Twynham Castle there Is i buffet which groans beneath the weight of his niizes. void or the customary Diinueroie. A white mantle nattered behind mm, upon the left side or which wa marked the broad bluek cross picked Out with silver which was the well-known badge of the Teutonic order. Mounted upon a horse as large, as black and aa forbidding aa himself, be cantered slowly forward, with none of those prancing and, gam bades with which a cavalier was accus tomed to show Ids command over hla charger. Gravely and sternly he Inclined his head to the prince, and took his place ut the further end of the arena. lie had scarce done so before Blr Nigel rode out from the holder' enclosure, and galloping at full speed down the lists, drew his charger uj before the prince's stand with a jerk ,whlcH threw it bock upon Its haunches. With white armor, blaaoned shield, and plume of os trich reamers rrom ni neimni, n car ried himself In so jaunty and joyous a fashion, with tossing peiwion and cur vetting charger, that a shout Of applause ran the full circle of the arena. With the air of a man who haste to a Joyou fes tival, he waved his lane In salute, and raining the pawing horse round without permitting Its forefeet lo touch the ground, be hastened bock to his station. A great hush fell over tha huge mul tltudo as the two last phmplons faced each other. A double Issue seemed to rest upon their contest, for their per sonal fame was at stake aa well ns their Jsprty's h'"or Moth wsre fajamti war riors, but as thHr exploits had been performed In widely sundered countries, they had never before been able to cross lance. A course between such men wood have been enough In Itself to cfittH) the keenest Interest.' apart from its being the crisis Which would decide who should tie thi victors of thft day. For a moment they waited th German soiiibrn and collected. Blr Nigel quiver ing n eveiv fibre with eagerness and flury resolution. Then, amid a long, drawn breath from tha spectators, the flove fell from the msrshwl's hand, and he two ateel-clad horsemett met like a thqnder-olap in front of the- rovnl stand. Th Merman,, though ..ho rtnded for an Inatant beror the thrust of th Rngllsn. man. struck bis opponent so fsirly upon the- vhtor that the- lane burst, tho plumed helmet flow to pleoos, and Blr Nlgej gsl loiad on down the list . with bis bald bend shlinmerlnr 1 if) - the sunshlno. A IJooimod, wavinc scarvM tutd tossing cap announced that tho first bout had ration to the popular party. ' - ( ' , ' The Hampshire knight wgs not a man to fee disheartened by s a reverse. Ho .'-,,UW'1. w ', n , .I1.VII, , ..III I out in a few seconds with another , .keK met 1 no second course ;, was. to equal that the keenest - Judges could not en, cent any vantage. Kaon struck firs from the other's shield, and each endured tha Sirring shock ' as tnougn welded to in orse beneath him. In tho final bout, however,.- Sir Nisei struck - Mo opponent with so truo en - aim that , the point, of the lance Caught tho bars of the visor and tore the front Of his - helmet out, while tho ' ' German, aiming , somewhat low,-and half stunned by the shock, had tho, misfortune: t strike his arversary upon, the thigh, a breach ot the rules of tne iiiung-yara. oy wnicn no not oniy sacrificed his chances of - success, but would also nave forfeited his horse and his armor, had'- the .English ' knight cnosen u ciaim menu a roar oi ap plause from the Enallsh soldiers, with an omnious silence from tho vast orowdi wno pressed round the barrier, an nounced mat tne oaiance ot yiotory lay with the holders. Already the ten cham pions had assembled 1 in front of tha prince ;' " to , receive, hi award, when a naisn ougie can rrom the further end ot the lists drew, all eyes to a new and unexpected arrival. CHAPTER XXIV., How a Champion Came Forth from - the East,- , : The Bordeaux lists Were, as has al ready been explained, situated , upon tho plain hear tho river upon, those great oc casion when the Ulting-ground In front of the Abbey of St. Andrew's was deem ed to be too small to contain the crowd. On the eastern aide of thia plain, the country side sloped upwards, thick with vines in summer, out now ridged with the brown bare enclosure. Over tha gently rising plain curved the white road which leads Inland, usually flecked witn travelers, out now with scarce a living form uijon It. so completely had the lists drained all the district of Its inhabitants. Strange it was to see such a vast concourse of people, and 'then to look upon that broad, white, empty highway which wound away, bleak and dtserted, until it narrowed Itself to a bare streak against the distant uplands. Shortly after the contest had begun. any one looking from the lists along those road might have remarked, far away in the extreme distance, two brilliant and sparkling points which glittered and twingled In the bright shimmer of the winter sun. Within an hour these had become clearer and nearer, until they might be seen to come from the reflec tion from the heod-plecea of two horse- i men who were riding at the top of their speed in the direction ot Bordeaux. An other half hour had brought thero so close that every point of their bearing and equipment could be discerned. The first was a knight in full armor, mounted upon a brown horse with a blase upon breast and forehead. He was a sliprt man of grrt breadth of shoulder, with vizor closed, and no blaaonry upon his simple white surcoat or plain black shield. The other, who wag evidently his squire and attendant, was unarmed save Tor the helmet upon his breast, but bore in his right hand a very longund heavy oaken snear which belonged to his mast er. In his left hand the squire held not only the reiins of his own horse but those, of a great black war-horse, fully harnessed, which trotted along at his side. Thus the three horses and their two riders rode, swiftly to tho lists, and it was the blare of the trumpet sounded by the squire aa his lord rode Into the arena which had broken in upon the prize-giving and drawn away the atten tlon and interest of the spectators. "Ha, John!" cried the prince, craning his neck, who is this cavalier, and what is It that he desires?" "On my word, sire," replied Chandos; with the utmost surprise upon his face. "it is my opinion that he Is a French man. "A Frenchman!" repeated Don Pedro. "And how can you tell that, my Lord Chandos. when he has neither coat-ar. mor. crest or blazonry?" "Hy his armor, sire, which Is rounder at elbow and at shoulder than any of Hnrdeanx or of England. Italian . he might he were his bassinet more sloped, but I will swear that those plates were welded betwixt thi and the Rhlnei Here conies his squire, however, and we shall hear what strange fortune hath brought him over the marches." As he spoke the attendant cantered up the grassy enclosure, and pulling up hi steed in front of the royal stand, blew a. second fanfare upon his bugle. He was a raw-boned, swarthy-cheeked -man, with black bristling beard and a swaggering bearing. Having sounded his call, he thrust the bugle Into his belt, and, push ing his way betwixt the groups of Eng lish and of Gascon knights, he reined up within a spear's length of the royal par ty. "I come." he shouted In a honrse. thick voice, with a strong Breton accent, "a squire and herald from my master1, who is a very valiant pursulvant-of-nrms, and a liegeman to the great and powerful monarch. Charles, king ot tne French. My master has heard that there is Joust ing here, nnd prospect of honorable ad vancement, so he has come to ask that some Kngllsh cavalier will vousafe for the love of his lady to run a course with sharpened lances with him, or to meet him with sword, mace, battle-axe, or dagger. He bade me say, however, that he would fight.only with a true English man, and not with any mongrel who Is neither Kngllsh nor French, but speaks with the tongue of the one and fights under the banner of the other." "Sir!" cried De CTIsson. with a voice of thunder, while hla countrymen clapped their hands to their swords. The squire, howevtr. took no notice of their angry faces, but continued with hla master's message. Ing.' "Ve have Indeed come too late," said the prince, "seeing that tho prize is about to be awarded; yet I doubt not that one of these gentlemen will run a course for the sake of honor with this cavalier of France "'And ns to the prize, sire," quoth Blr Nigel, "I uni sure, that 1 speak for all when 1 Bay this French knight hath our leave to bear it away with him If he can fairly win it. "Hear word of this to your master." said the prince, "and ask him which of these live Englishmen he would desire to rmet. Hut stay; your master bears no coal -armor, and wo nave not yet heard his name." "Mv master, sire, is under vow of the Virgin neither to reveal his name nor to open his vlxor until he fa back upon Kngllsh ground once more." "Yet what assurance have we." said the prince, "that this I not some varlet masquerading In his master's harness, or some caitiff knight, the very touch of whose lance might bring Infamy upon the honorable gentleman?" "It is not so, sire," cried tho squire earnestly. "There is no man upon earth who would demean himself by breaking a Innoe with my master." "You speak out boldly, quire," ' tho prince answered: "but unless I hav some further assurance of your master's noble birth and gentle name I cannot match the choicest lances ot my court against him." "Tou refuse, lro?" "I do refuse.'" - "Then, sire, I was bidden to ask yoii from my master whether ymi would on sent if 8lr John Chandos, upon hearing my master s name, snouia assure you that he wus Indeed a man with whom you might yourself cross swords without indignity." "1 ask no better," said tha prince. "Then I must ask, Lord Chandos, that you will step forth. I have your pledge that the ttamo shall remain oyer a se cret, and that you will neither say nor write one word which might betaay It. The- name Is " He stooped down from hi horse and whispered something Into the old knight' oar which - made him start with surprise, and star with much curiosity at the distant knight, who was sitting his charger at the further end of the arena, "I till indeed soothT" no exclaimed. "It I. my lord, and I wear It by f?t. tves of Brittany." "1 might have known It," said Chan, do, twisting his moustache; and still looking thoughtfully at : tho cavalier. "What then. Blr John?" asked the prince, ' ' "Sire, this Is a knight whom It Is In deed great honor lo meet, and I would that your grace would grant me leave to send my squire for my harness, for I would dearly love to run a eourae with him. v i "Nay, najfv Blr John, you have gained aa much honor ssone msn ran bear, and It were hard If you could not rest how. But f pray you, squire, to tell your mast er that he Is very welcomo to our court, and that Wine and apices wilt b served M " 'Woul4 rofreib himself- before jousung." , i. 'My master will not drink,14 said the squire. , - - "lAt hlrn then name the gentleman with whom he would break a spear." "Ho would contend with these five knights, each t choose auchv weapons as suit him bestj' ' , " - "I perceive," said the prince, "that your master is a man or, great nean ana hish of enterprise. But tho -sun already is low in the west, and there-will scarce oe ligm tor tnese courses, x pray you, gentlemen, to take your- places, that we may see whether, this stranger's deed are aa bold. a hi' wofate.H,-'.u-:StJ-'. ? The unknown knight- had - eat , Ilk ' a statue of ; steel, looking neither to the right nor id the left during, these prelim inaries, ho had cnangea irom tne norse upon whioh he had ridden and bestrode the black charger -which .his squire, bad led beside him. His Immense breadth, bis tern, composed appearance,' and the mode in which he handled his shield and his lanca. were enough In themselves to convince . the thousand of critical spec tators mat ne was a aangerxras oppon ent. Aylward. who stood In tb front row of the, archer with Simon, big John, and others of the Company, had been crlti. clslnar the nroceedimrs front 'the' -Com. mencement with th ease and freedom of a man who had spent his life under arms and had learned in a hard school to know at a glance the points oi a horse and hi rider. He stared now at the tranger with a wrinkled brow and the air of a man who la striving to stir his memory. . 7 ' ; ' . ' Ttv mv hilt! T hsvs seen the thiCK body of him before to-day,- Yet I eknnot cau to mma woere it couia nave oeen. ai Nogent beliae. or was it at Auray? Mark me, lads, this man will prove to be on of. the best lances of France, and there are no better in the world. '.-' ,' f "It is but child's play, this poking game," said John. "I would fain try my hand at it,, for, by the black rood! ! think that it might be amended." ' "What then would you do. John?" ask. ed. several. There are manv thing which might be done," aaid the forester thoughtfully. "Methink i would begin oy breaking my spear. bo tney ail strive to ao, "Nay. but not upon another man"! shield. I would break It over my own knee." And what the better for that, Old beef and bone?" asked Black Simon. "So 1 would turn what 1 but a lady' bodkin of a wearion into a very hand some club." 'And then. John?" Then I would take the other's spear into my arm or my leg, or wnere it pleased him best to put it., and I would dash out his bralm with my club." "By my ten finger-bones! old John," said Aylward, "I would give my feather bed to see you at spear-running. This is a most courtly and gentle, sport Which you have devised." "'So It seems to me," said John seri ously. "Or, again, one might seise the other round the middle, pluck him off his horse and bear him to tho pavlllion, there to hold him to ransom." "Good!" cried Blmon, amid a, roar of laughter from all the archer round. "By Thomas of Kent! we shall make a camp-marshal of thee, and thou shalt draw up rules for our Jousting. But, John, who is it that you would uphold In this knightly and pleasing fashion?" "What mean you?" "Why, John, so strong and strange a tilter must fight for the brightness of his lady's eyes or the curve of her eye lash, even as Sir Nigel does for the Lady Loring." "I know not about that," said the big archer, scratching his head in perplexity. "Since Mary hath played me false, 1, can scarce fight for her." "Yet any woman will serve." . "There la my mother then," said John. "She, waa at much pains at my upbring ing, and, by my soul! I will uphold the curve of her eyelashes, for It tlckleth my very heart-root to think of her. But who is here?" "It is Sir William Beauchamo. He is a valiant man. but I fear that he is scarce firm enough upon the saddle to bear the thrust of such a filter aa this atrangor promises to be." Aylward's words were speedily justified for even as he spoke the two knights met in tho centre of the lists. Beau- champ stptck his opponent a shrewd blow upon the helmet, but was met with so frightful a thrust that he whirled out of his saddle and rolled over and over upon the ground. Sir Thomas Percy met with little better success, for his shield waa split, his vambraee torn, and he himself wounded slightly In the side. T.iord Audley and the unknown knight struck each other fairly upon the hel met; out. while the stranger sat as nrm and rigid as ever upon his charger, the Englishman wa bent back to his horse's crupper by the. weight or the blow, and had galloped half-way down the lists ere he could recover himself. Sir Thom as Wake wa beaten to the ground with a battle-axe that being the weapon which he had. selected and had to be carried to his pavilllon. These rapid uc cesses, gained one after the. other over ,'fonir celqbrated warriors, wwrked the crowd up to a pitch of wonder and ad miration, i nundera or applause rrom tne Kngllsh soldiers, as well as trom the eit- Ixens and peasants, showed now far the love of brave -and knightly deed could rise above tne rivalries or race. By my soul! John, cried the prince, with his cheek flushed and his eyes shin ing, "this Is a man of good courage and great hardiness. I could not have thought that there was any single arm upon earth which could have overthrown these four champions." "He Is indeed, as I have said. sire, a knight from whom much honor I to be gained. But the lower edge of the sun is wet. ana it win De oeneatn tne sea ere long." Here is Sir Niae.l I.oring. on root and ith sword." said the prince. "I have heard that he I a fine swordsman. The finest in your army. sire. Chan dos answered, yet I doubt not that ho will ncd all his skill this nay." As he spoke, the two combatants rrom either end in full armor with their two- handed swords sloping over their should ers. Tne stranger wanted neavtiy and with a measured stride,-while the Eng lish knight advanced as briskly as though there was no Iron shell to weigh down the freedom of his limbs. At four pace they stopped, eyed each other for a moment, and then in an instant fell to work with a clatter - and clang as though two sturdy smiths were busy upon their anvil. Up and down went the long, shining blades, round and round they circled In curve of glimmering light, crossing, meeting, disengaging, with Moan of sparks at every parry. Here and there bounded Blr Nigel, his head erect, his Jaunty plume fluttering In the air, while his dark opponent sent In crashing blow upon blow, following fiercely up with cut and with thrust, but never once getting past the practled blade of the skilled swordsman. The crowd roared with delight as Sir Nigel would stoop his head to avoid 'a blow, or by some slight movement of his body allow some terrible thrust to glance harmlessly past him. Suddenly, however, his tlmo came, The Frenchman, whirl ing up his sword, showed for an Instant a chink betwixt his shoulder-piece and th -rerebrace which guarded hls"upper arm. in daeneo sir miget, ana out again so swiftly that tho eye could not follow the quick play of hla blade, but a trickle or biooa. trom tne strangers snouiaer, and a rapidly widening red Smudge upon his whits surcoat, ' showed where the thrust had taken effect. The wound was. however,, but a slight one, and the Frenchman was about to renew hi on. v. a t ft .Ian trnvn Iha .nnlniM, art. T. fit,,, a. !-- " " ... u, Chandos threw down hla baton, and the marshals or tne lists sirucg up tne weapons and brought the contest to an vn4. i t "tt were time to check It." . said the nrlneA. ami line "for Sir Nigel I too S-oOd a man for me to lose, and, by the Ave holy wounos ! ir one or inoec cuts came iuiim i snouia novo isars iwmic cnam. olon. What- think you Pedw?'r .. . . . . a .a.-.. ,u. 1.... . . I intna. rxiwH.u, iui mv uviiar nraji m van well able to take care of him,. oif For mv naVt. I should wish to see so well matched a pair fight on while drop -or Diooa jpemainea--uAv tneir vein. ., - . ,J 'i - ;-v. .!-, "We must have apeoeh with him. BocH a man must not go from my court with out rest or sup. Bring him hither, Chan dos, and, certes. If the Lord, Loring hath resigned hla claim upon his goblet. It I right - and proper that thia - cavalier should carry It to France with Win' ta t sign of the prowess that he Has shown thAsdhe spoke, th knlght-awaiti, who had remounted bis war-horse, galloped forward to lb royal standi, with a silk en kerchief bound round his wounded arm. Th setting sun cast a ruddy glare upon hi burnished arms, and sent his long black J' shadow" streaming behind hint up- the level .clearing. Pulling up tils steed, he slightly". Inclined hi head, fud sat InVthe stern and eompoaedv fashion with -. - which i h had borne 'himself throughout, heedless of .tho applauding shout and the flutter of kerchief from the- long lines or orave men ana ot rair avimen who won. looking - down , upon him. "Sir knight," said the prince, 'we have fl all marveled this, day at this great skill ' and valor with which God hasfheen pleased to endow you. I would fain that you should tarry at our court, for time at least, until your hurt la healed .' and your horses rooted," 1 .' t; "My .hurt 1 nothing, aire, nor are my horse weary." returned the atranrcr la a deep, stera voice. .'.'" , - . "Win you not at Jeast hie back to Bor-' ' deaux with jus, that you may drain a cud of muscadine and up at our table?'' v ,--.. "I will neither drink your wine nor sit. " at ypur table," returned the other. ''I bear no love for you or for your race, ' , and there., is nought that I wish at your ri band until the day when I see the laaf 't ail which . beara vnu , hack : to your lal. r and .vanishing away against tho western -- . - 'Theoe.- are bitter wqrds, sir knight. J.K fTOWj..'ite-.is;;.J "Ji sjis-, , vfj1 , "And they oome from bittef heart," (,J . answered the unknown knight, "How' long is It aina there has been peace in my hapless " country T - Where arty the , steading, and orchards, and .vineyard, , which made Franco fair? Where are the cities which made hep great? Front ( , " Providence - to Burgundy we are beset "s 4 bv every orowllnr , hireling in rhritiin. dom, who ' rend and . tear . tha country r- whlch you hava lft too weak to guard, - ' f nrvwn marcnea is it not a oy-wora that a man may ride all day In that un-r , happy land Without 'seeins thatnh unon' ' roof or hearing the -crow of cock? pbes ' not one fnlr kingdom content you, that q you should etrtvo so for this other ono -. which has no love, for you? Pardlaul a ..;.. '' true Frenchman's words may well b hit ter, for bitter is hi lot ' and bitter big ) thoughts as he rides through hi thrice ' : unhappy oouhtry.? ; - . v() "Sir knight," said tha ft prince, ; "you c . speak like- a bravo man,' and our -cou-. in of France i banny in having a cava. :. alter-who Is so fit to uphold hi cau either with tongue or witn. sword. But If you think such. evil of us, how comes it that you have trusted yourselves to u without warranty or safe-conduct?" "Becaus 1 knew Hint vnn would be ' here, sire. Had the man who sits upon your right been ruler of this land. I nan, indeed thought twice before I looked to him for aught that waa knightly or gen erous.' With a soldierly alute. he wheeled- round his horse and galloping down the Hats disappeared amid the , -dense crowd of footmen and of horse, men who were streaming away from tha scene of the tournament. i. "The insolent villian!" cried Pedro, -glaring furiously after him. "I have seen a man's tongue torn from his Jaws for less. Would it not be well even now, Edward, to send horsemen to bale mm buck? Bethink you that It may be ona of the royal house of France, or at least some knight whose loss would be a heavy blow to his master. Sir William Felton, you are well mounted, gallop af. ter the caitiff, I pray you." "Do so. Sir William."' said the prince,"' and give him this purse of a hundred nobles a a sign of the respect which I bear for him; for, by St. George! he ha served his master this day even as I would wish liegeman of mine to servo me." So saying, the prince turned hla oacg upon tne King or Spain, ana -springing upon his horse, rode slowly homewards to the Abbey of Saint An drew. (TO BE CONTINUED. - For The Observer, A SPRING BALLAD. Nature's Resurrection day is here. And all things living come to life. Giving messages sad hearts to cheer. That some day, all will be light. The waxen petals from bulbs unfold. To send their brightest smile Up to the sun, from richest mold. And cheer a lonely heart the while. The sun kissed hyacinths with dainty leaves. Make gay the lawns of faintest green; An artist's palette the variegated tulip weaves. While hero and there a wand'rlng cro cus Is seen. The modest violet ever shy and blua. scatter tneir sweetest perrume, Whlsp'ring to maiden hearts of love 00 true. That In the Springtime ever strongly grows. Dame Nature's artist brush of tender green. Daintily touches trees so rough and old. And tiny seeds so dry and brown. win soon their secrets large unroia, In the forest faint mumurtng sweet mew sic make. If all alone you dream and listen; While the robin and the bluebirds awake. To join the brook's faint whisperings. In the Springtime all Nature's gay. And sings the same glad old new song. For Love with Life, can find no other way, And living and loving we join the hap py throng. -CATHERINE DOUGLAS. - littleVoctor CURES Liver Complaints ; used only Ramon's Liver Pills and Tonic Pellets, and -gives your money back if not satisfied. Your liver is the biggest trouble maker. If you would be well, try Ramon's Treat-" ment. , Only 25 cents, v, ' , A FULL PINT old Virginia applejack, CumOfagier's ,v, A,' ,4wrUMMBt I'll rs4 res Mil ra lis whk rtre(4a lat (met WESTOVER - ' 10VCAR OLD v-t RYE WHISKEY Mik -ua. um . I'M "" aW WW ISW rSMI STOSK Molt tnst th tWo frtl. Tos'R h" tk fklmt, ioost Imni wkislter ) m u4. Nat e k HininiiaUHa, I tlrttt saa eta - S.S? sklsoed ("saw IS Sim OKKSf. At ftmtmtl It, If yss'n set aa tirelr oMitatd thai I' Dm Urn rm oalikir tor Uw amwy fas' w Its thsli ox a tiwasoaa 4 Wttlet, tki sack to Sac, fnm CBlsicltaik. I mill hnuAo. brf4r.T. i rata, as t task a kkfcaM-, to m tao iHamraMatimal Banfeaf tkla chy MlakaaalllUk. T-l- . " r- t iria fjt fTao s jt seekla ghisg iaanwlaaaa Oi arm.acr imnoa, rH.L.0. KELLY. mCHMONP.VA. mm H . .. ....... .. ... v, wiM.in.'in i'a , fi ur ' I Ml Jl ran UOlOTO I I etme to ttaxt - Jbouse o( mige own, n4 1 wbl promised to be an arduous 4 1 S '"''" '.. v ; ' r t r. ,,'-vv i t -,-rv A s i i . v f L "
The Charlotte Observer (Charlotte, N.C.)
Standardized title groups preceding, succeeding, and alternate titles together.
March 4, 1906, edition 1
12
Click "Submit" to request a review of this page. NCDHC staff will check .
0 / 75