The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1867-11-26

Hamet saw not the flush that mantied
the fair cheek of Donnah, as she turne cd
away,nor did he see her as she spoke low
words Of encouragement to De Courcy.
She gave him small piece of parch-
ment and in it the snraptured youth
read: 5ss
"When the tournament is won Donnah
will be ahead-on her way to the Chris
tan camp"
"Brave grill OH thank heaven, L can
yet be free. The morrow will give me
happiness and liberty" aat
b The morning for.whioh he so earnestly
longed dawned at length, and even at an
early hour the ground was thronged with
eager visitors, who came to witness the
spectacle. About three hours before
midday the trumpets sounded, and the
knights who were destined to fight slowly
gathered together. Three sides were In
closed by raised seats for spectators -
The fourth was open. At the upper end
sat Hamet on sort Of throne, which he
occupied, by virtue of his lofty rank
From his seat he could observe all that
happened. Around him we're many of
the most beautifulladies in the city whose
bright eyes sparkled with eager interest.
"Where is Donnah?" said Hamet to an
attendant. I,
''Donnahf She said she was ILL.,"
"Illl How so2 Yesterday she was
very we'll" -
81 know it. She said So"
f.sHamet looked uneasy, but the sudden
peal of a signal trumpet drove away all
thoughts, save those Of intense eagerness
and excitement.
Firsttwo Saracens engaged, and we're
followed by others Few wers injured
greatly. Thus far it was mefely sport
The spectators waited patiently for the
more bloody contests which were to fol-
low. They did not wait long. for after
about an hour a Christian knight stepped
forward to encounter Saracen, whose
prowess had elicited most Of the applause
of the admiring gazers. New interest
was excited by the contest, for there was
something more than emulation to give
strength to the complaints. In the one
it was fierce fanaticism and deadly hatred
to the Christian; in the other determined
resolution, mingled With the inspiring
hope Of liberty and all that can make
life happy. ,ssaio = n
sal"Who is this Christian2n said all whe
saw him. .a0il.soa -
/ And, indeed, in his appearance, there
was something which might well excite
the curiosity of the teholders. He was
tall, and all his limbs were strongly knit
together. His armor was of heavy plate
and glistened dazzlingly in the rays of The
sun. In his hand he held lightly tn,
ponderous fitting spear, while his horss
was managed with admirable grace.
"Who is he?" .sguibliga
"The Christian knight De Courcy.''
The answer came from Hamet, ant
passed among the surrounding crowds. sG
The two knights were stationed. Eacl
made ready. The signal was given, ant
in cloud of dust each rode toward th,
other. There was q shock, rattling o
armor, crash Of arms, dark form fel
headlong to the earth. The cloud rollet
away. 1s4Ii 81
The Christian knight sat calm as
statue upon his horse, holding broker
spear, while at his feet lay horse ant
warrior in the agonies of death. q =
A fierce yell broke from the excite
throng. The knight rode slowly to Ha
met.
"Am 1 free?'' io Eae 2 9a1 ae ! !.
ii'Freel Dog of a Christian! idWil
thou claim freedom after killing SO bray
warrior as he? No, thou shalt not yet b
free. Other and harder work is befor
thee. pgofna sli OF 99a9f@. rd 0Sa9 "
b De Courcy retired, and with anothe
spear awaited the approach of new an
tagonist He did not wait long, Ami
loud cries and the sound of trumpets an
drums, came another Saracen warrior
His form was almost gigantic. His ar
NOR was thick and heavy, while the hors
which he rode was one of the heavy an
fiery steeds used by the Crusaders. at
Again the two knights took their sta
tions. Again the signal was given an
they rushed together. The spear of th
Saracen was avoided by De Courey, an
striking slantinglY upon his shield,
glanced from him. Holding his ow
weapon with an iron grasp, he directe
lit full against the breast of his foe.l A
the Saracen's spear glanced, De Courc
struck him with irresistible force. Th
horse was thrown back upon his haur
ches. The heavy form of tie rider We
hurled upon the ground. h
vengeance! vengeancel Death to th
| Christian! yelled the infuriated crowd.
! De Courcy shook his spear in defanc
{ of al around him. % iei9 {
"Come on; bring hither your bravest.
.sSeize him!" shouted Hamet.
s,Neyert'' cried De Courcy. He turne
his horse and struck his spurs deep int
this fanks. The steed sprang forward
4 A score of men at arms stood opposi
him; the spear of the flying knight sea
tered them all. Away--away he wel
over bill, over plain, away and his horse
hoofs thundered along the rocky road Y
he fed, leaving his astonisbed foes far b
hind him. When about ten miles fro
the city he saw before him youth dres
ed in a light chain armor, and mount,
upon horse.
'"Who art thou?'' he cried, as be can
Iup.
aYour delivorer!i said voice viii,
7 thrilled through him, and lifting up Il