Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-09-23

unfortunate gentleman cluster around herr!
muttered the chancellor. Alas for our
brief hour of triumph and favor! Yesterday
was he great: l. nothing. Today, what am
!, while he's nothing"
great murmur resolving itself into
shouts and resounding cutlery. interrupted
the mobiles reminiscent mood. as a thick
figure in richly chased armor, mounted on
a massive horse. crossed the arena.
Bon Vouloir" they cried. Bon You
loir"
1t was the name assumed by the free
baron for the day. while other knights were
known for the time being by such euphoni-
Gus and chivalrous appellations as Valiant
Desyr. Bon Espoir or Occur Loyal. Bon
Vouoir. upon this popular demonstra ton,
refined his steed. and. removing his head
covering. bowed reverently to the king and
his suite, deeply to the Lady of the Tour
nament and her retinue. and carelesSly to
the vociferous multitude. after which he
retired to a large tent of crimson and gold,
set apart for his convenience and pleasure.
From the purple box the monarch had
nodded graciously and from the silver
bower the lady had smiled softly, so that
the duke had no reason for dissatisfaction
the attitude of the crowd was of small mo-
ment, an unmusical accompaniment to the
potent pantomime. of which the principal
figures were Francis. the King Arthur of
Europe. and the princess, queen of beauty s
unbOunded realm.
In front Of the dukes pavilion was hung
his shield and by it's side stood his squire,
fancifully dressed in rich coiors Behind
ranged the men of arms. whose lanceS form
ed fence to hold in check the people from
far and wide, among whom the pick-purses,
Hght-fingered scamps and sturdy beggars
conScientiously circulated. plying them
selves assduously. The fashion of the day
prescribed carrying the purse and the dag
ger dangling from the girdle. and many a
good citizen departed from the tourney
without the one and with the other. and 1t
~i<,t, ttAla1
the filcher left it's owner. And none was
more enthusiastic or demonstratfve of the
features of the lists than these rapacious
riflers who loudly cheered the merry mon
arch or shouted for his gallant knights.
while deftly cutting purse-cords or despoil-
ing honest country danes of brooches,
clasps other treasured articles of adorn-
ment.
Near the dukes pavilion, to the right
had been pitched a commodious tent of yell
low material. with ropes of the same color.
and FOOLS cap browning the pole in place
of the customary banner. Over the en-
trance was suspended the testers gilded
wand and a staff. from which hung blown
bladder. Here were chartered the court
testers whom Francis had commanded to be
fittingly attired for the lists and to take
part in the general combat. In vain had
Triboulet pleaded that they would occasion
more merriment If assigned to the king S
box than doomed to the arena THAT may
be- Francis had answered. "but on this
occasion all the people must witness your
antics"
"AnticSi" Triboulet had shuddered AN
should be killed. your majesty?'
Then 1t will be amusing to see you quiet
for once in your life." had been the laugh
ing reply.
And with this poor assurance the dwarf
had been obliged to content himself-not
merrily, tbs true. but with much inward
disquietude, secretly execrating his monarch
for this revival of ancient and barbarous
practices.
Now in the rear of the TESTERS pavilion
his face was yellow with trepidation as the
armorer buckled on the iron plates about
his stunted figure fastening and riveting
them in such manner. he mentally conciud-
ed he should never emerge from that fright
full she'll
THE worst of 1t Is" dryly remarked the
hunchback'S valet as he briskly piled his
little hammer these clothes are so heavy
you couldn't run away II you wanted TO-"