The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1881-09-07

hlm and he might lose! The NOR
row only could tell the result. Mean
while she could only pray and hope
for his success.
CHAPTER VII.
The twenty-seventh day came at
last. 1t dawned bright and clear
and soon every thing in and around
the Snow White palace was astir.-
The notes Of preparation were heard
on every side. Soon the amphithea-
tire was filed with gaily dressed la
dies and lords of the realm. The
squires OF the knights had already
prepared their steeds and Weapons
the Knights them selves are booted,
spurred and helmete,l and dressed in
various colored suits of mail were
waiting for the call-the master of
ceremonies and his heralds were
here, there, everywhere, and every
thing was in readiness for the tour.
nament to begin. They waited only
for the King, who now ascends his
throne with Queen Eva on his right
and the princess on his left. The
hugle call is sounded and the two
score and one knights are marshalled
for the parade which was to precede
the trials of skill. All! here they
come! A goodly array of manly
beauty as they mounted on their
chargers all gaiy caparisoned, with
banners and plumes flying and their
helmets and coats Of mail glistening
in the morning son! Distinguished
from all the rest by the color of his
steed as we'll as BY his knightly car
liage rode Reginald on his milk
white charger. As they passed in
review in front of the Kings throne
bis eyes sought the face of the prin-
cess who had singled him out from
them all and easily recognized him,
anil she gave him an assuring smile
and bow of recognition. She saw
what the others did no. understand,
if they saw, that her blue ribbon was
tied in lovers knot around the
point of his gold tipped spear, aud
she needed not the slight motion he
made to show-it 10 her. She had al
ready noticed it. In full keeping
with the magniicence Of the prepar-
atoms made was the appearance Of
the knights who were now drawn up
in battle array before the Kings
throne to have the order of the exer.
cises of the day finally explained to
them so that no mistakes might be
made.
The first was to be trial of horse
manship. In front of the amphithe-
atre and on the side of the mountain
in full view had been arranged q
track for that particular purpose
The mountain was rugged and bar
riers of varying heighth made Of
stone had been made here and there
across the track. Across a chasm of
thirty feet width near the center OF
the course bridge had been erect
ed. but to cross it detonr Of some
yards had to be made, and any ven
turesome knight who chose SO to do
had the liberty of leaping the chasm
and pursuing the straight COURSE
The course then wound round into
the valley and back to the amphithe-
atre. Near it's end and in full view
Of the vast concourse OF people the
highest barrier Of them all had been
erected and then the course was
| straight and level. 1t was consider.
ed that any horseman who could en-.
counter and overcome all the othe,
obstacles and then make this Ana
leap was entitled to the prize of Lorse
manship.
All being ready the bugle is sound
ed and away they go! Up the hill
side all together to the first barrier
where they begin to.separate. Som.
of the horses refused to make th,
Heap, some Of the riders fell and no
more than half got safely ever
1 Among tho nunber was the anoy
white steed and it's rider ani one pal
log fair eyss was watching his pro
] o1ess with eager interest. He ~
il firstapd 3. mifl q - -