The Oxford intelligencer., 1860-06-06
The Tournament.
FROM Sci FuREIDIs."

Only the fresh youth of the tribe had part
in this military exercise Mounted on pcrfeltly
trained horses, of which the riders seemed part,
they arranged themselves In two parallel lines,
each youth facing his opponent, and awaiting
signal to commence the charge. Abdoul con-
spicuous among his companions both for beauty
and grace, was stationed at the extremity of that
line which was nearest TO the sheik's tent and
the simple waving of his hand served through.
out the game as word of command. Only a
single antagonist advanced at the first summons,
and was met by Abdoul in mid-career, both horse
men holding their lances high above their heads,
and causing the thin reeds to quiver until they
seemed like things of life, As the ambition of
each youth was to disarm his adversary, these
lances wore the objects Of attack. At the first
charge, the thrusts on both sides were unsuccess-
full With rapid evolution the attempt was re
sumed but was in like manner foiled, one rider
bending to his saddle-bow, and holding his lance
close to the ground, the other vaulting upon one
side and sheltcring himself and his weapon be-
hind the body Of his horse. Both tiltsmen were
skilled in the game; but, though possessing a
formidable adversary, Abdoul triumphed in sure
success, and challenged his comrade with superb
cifrontcry. The opponents lance was the prize
of the contest. Nevertheless Abdoul ventured to
toss his weapon high in the air directly above his
cOmbatant's head, then dart forward recover it,
and dash on at flying pace. Again, relying Gil
the mequalled speed of the Khadhere, he hesi-
tated not to fling his plumed reed in advance of
him with such skill as to plant it upright In the
the ground The game now became race but
one in which the sheiks son was sure to win
The adversary made but feeble endeavors to ini-
tate the young chiefs daring satisfied with act
ing on the defensive, and striving to take advant-
age Of the risks which Abdoul run But to do
this was impossible. Abdoups skill was only
cqualled by his wariness, and at length, in the
very moment when he had carried his own tcmer-
ity to the utmost, he bounded upon his enemy's
lance and bore il off in triumph
This act was the signal for fresh lancers to rush
into the mimic warfare, both the conqueror
and the conquered demanding fresh adversaries;
and as one after another was dsarmed, and new
opponents were called for, the whole company
were gradually admitted into the lists, Thus
the scene became more and more complicated,
wild, and exciting.
The old chief and his guests meanwhile watch
cd the progress of the game, their eyes instinc-
lively following Abdoul, who, acting under the
inspiration of Havilah's presence, appeared to be
endued with magic powers He was everywhere
in the thickest of the melee, the tan plumes Of
his lance towering above those of his comrades.
So wonderful and rapid were the feats he per-
formed, that sometimes he knelt sometimes stood
aloft in the saddle, sometimes seemed fora second
to be suspended from the Khadhere by his wiry
hand or the hollow sole Of his foot, which clung
as it were by magnetic attraction Occasionally
he leaped to the ground, ran few steps, and
vaulted again upon the back of the animal, who
apparently understood and aided her masters
maneuvere. One after another his antagonists
were discomfited and disarmed, but in no case
was Abdoul batfled or his lance wrestcd from
him. II was evident to the most careless Observ-
er, that the chiefs son was the unriyaled VIC
for IN the contest