The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1855-04-25

OF the branches, while he, with the re.
naming four, would take the other.
Should either party be in danger, the
blast OF horn was to be the signal for
succor. The party Of FIVE had not pro.
ceeded far, when, in passing through a
dease, TREY heard the voice of man
singing. Concealing themselves among
trees, they awaited his approach. The
moon which left the grove in shadows,
shone full upon his person, as he slowly
advanced, mounted on a dapple-gray
steed Of powerful frame ard generous
spirit, and magnificently caparisoned. He
WAS Moorish cavalier Of noble demea.
nor and graceful carriage, arraycd in a
marlota, or tunic, and an abornoz Of
crimson damask fringed with gold. His
lunision turban of many folds, was of
striped silk and cotton, bordered with a
golden fringe; at his gurdle hung a Da
'nascus scimitar, with loops and tasseIs OF
;i!k and gold. On his left arm he bore
an ample target, and his righ, hand grasp
ed large double pointed lance. Appa-
rently dreaming Of no danger, he sat neg
'igently on his s,eed, gazing on the moon
and singing with n sweet and manly
voce, Moorish love littv.
lust opposite the grove where the cav
liers were concealed, the horse turned r.
side to drink at n small fountain in a rock
beside the road. His rider threw the
reins on his neck to Let him drink a, his
ease, and continued his song.
The cavaliers whispered with each
other. Charmed with the gallant and
gentle appearance Of tie Moor, they
determine not to harm, but capture
him; an easy task, as they supposed, in
his negligent mood. Rushing forth, there
fore, they thought to surround and take
him by surprise. Never were men more
mistaken. To gather up his reins, wheel
round his steed, brace his buckler AMI
couch his lance, was the work Of an in
slant. and there he sat fixed like a castle
on his saddle.
The cavaliers checked their steeds, and
reconnoitered him warily, 10th to come to
an encountre which must prove fatal to
him.
The Moor now held parley. If ye
be true knights, and seek for honorable
fame, come on singly and l will meet
each in succession; il ye be mere lurkers
Of the road, intent on spoil, come all at
once, and do your worst"
The cavaliers communed together for n
moment, when one parting from the others
advanced. although no law Of chivalry,"
said he colleges US 10 risk the loss of
prize, when fairly in our power, yet we
willingly grant as courtesy what we
might refuse rs a right. Valiant Moor,
defend thysclf"
So saying he wheeled, took proper dis
tance, couched bis lance, and putting spurs
to his horse, ms1e at the stranger. The
latter met him in mid career, TRANSFERRED
him with his lance and threw him from
his saddle. A second and n third sue
ceeded. but were unhorsed with equal IA
cility, and thrown to the earth severely
wounded. The remaining two, seeing
their comrades thus roughly treated, forgot
all compact Of courtesy, and charged both
at once upon the Moor. He parried the
thrust Of one, but was wounded by the
other in the thigh, and in the shock and
confusion d-opped his lance. Thus dis.
armed and closely pressed, lie pretended
to fly and was hotly pursued. Having
raw the two cavaliers some distance
from the spot, he wheeled short about,
with one Of those dexterous movements
for which the moorish horsemen were re-
nowned: passed swiftly between them,
swung himself down from his saddle. 10
as to catch up his lance, t!.en lightly re-
placing himself, turned to renew the COM
bat. Seeing him thus fresh for the en-
counter. as II just issuing from bis tent,
one Of ll,o cavaliers put hs lips to his horn
and blew blast that soon brought the
Alcayde and his four companions to the
spot.
Navaez, seeing three OF his cavaliers
extended on the earth, and two Others
hotIy engaged with tile Moor was struck
with admiration, and coveted contest
with so accomplished warrior. Inter
feriag in the fight he called npon bis fol-
lowers " desist, and with courteous words
invitel The Moore toa more eqaal combat.
The challenge was readily accepted. For
some time the contest was doubtful, and
The AIcayde bad need Of all his slsiil sad
strength 70 ward sif ,Ie bfowsef he an
saecnisi. The Moo, or,Lowsycr exhausted