Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-10-30
,rancings and gambades with which a cav

prancings and gambades with which a cav
alier was accustomed to show his command
over his charger. Gravely and sternly he
inclined his head to the prince, and TOOK
his place at the further end Of the arena
He had scarce done SO before Sir Nigel
rode out from the holders Enclosure, and
galloping at full speed down the lists, drew
his charger up before the princes stand
launches. With white armor, blazoned
shield, and plume of ostrich feathers from
his helmet he carried himself in so Jaunty
and joyous fashion. with tossing pennon
and curveting charger. that a shout of ap-
plause ran the full circle of the arena
With the air OF a man who hastes to a
joyous festival. he waved his lance in sa-
lutte and refining the paving horse round
without permitting its forefeet to touch the
ground, he FASTENED back to his station.
A great hush fell over the huge multitude
as the two last champions faced each other.
A double issue seemed to rest upon their
contest, for their personal fame was at
stake as well as their partyS honor. Both
were famous warriors. but as their exploits
had been performed In widely sundered
countries, they had never before been able
to cross lances. A course between such men
would have been enough in itself to cause
the keenest interest, apart from its being
the crisis which would decide who should
be the victors of the day. For moment
they waited-the German somber and col
lected, Sir Nigel Quivering in every fiber
with eagerness and fiery resolution. Then.
amid a Iong-drawn breath from the spec'
tators the glove fell from the marshaPs
hand, and the two steel-clad horseInen met
like a thunder-clap in front OF the royal
stand. The German, though he neeled for
an instant before the thrust of the English
man. struck his opponent so fairly upon the
viZor that the laces burst, the plumed he'll
met flew to pieces. and Sir Nigel galloped
on down the list with his bald head shim-
mering in the sunshine. A thousand wav-
ing scarves and tossing caps announced
that the first bout had fallen to the popu-
lar party.
The Hampshire knight was not a man to
be disheartened by a reverse He spurred
back to the pavilion. and was out in q few
instants with another helmet. The second
course was equal that the keenest judges
could not discern any vantage. Each struck
fire from the others shield, and each en-
dured the Earring shock as though welded
however, Sir Nigel struck his opponent with
SO true an aim that the point OF the lance
caught between the bars of his vizor and
tore the front of his helmet out, while the
German. aiming somewhat low, and half
stunned by the shock. had the misfortune
to strike his adversary upon the thigh. q
breach of the rules OF the fitting yard. by
success. but would also have forfeited his
horse and his armor, had the English knight
chosen to claim them. ~ roar OF applause
from the English soldiers. with an ominous
silence from the vast crowd who pressed
round the barriers. announced that the
balance of victory lay with the holders. Al
ready the ten champions had assembled in
front of the prince to receive his award.
Wen q harsh bugle call from the further
end OF the lists drew all eyes to a new and
unexpected arrival.
(To be continued tomorrow