Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-03-25

There was pause, while the knights looked
with some chagrin at each other. The silence
was broken by knolles
'' | will do what you say, Richard" said he
though indeed it is bitter that we who are
knights should serve beneath a squire. Yet
it is not for us to fall out among ourselves now
at this last moment, and / have ever heard
that Croquart is a very worthy and valiant
man. Therefore, will pledge you on jeopardy
of my soul that | will accept him as leader
if you fall"
So will I also, Richard" said Calverley
And | too" cried Bedford. 81 But surely
| hear music, and yonder are their pennons
amid the trees"
They all turned leaning upon their short
spears, and watched the advance of the men
of Josselin, as their troop wound its way out
from the woodlands. In front rode three
heralds with tabards of the ernine of Brittany
blowing loudly upon silver trumpets. Behind
them great man upon white horse bore the
banner of Josselin which carries nine golden
torteaux upon a scarlet field. Then came the
champions riding two and two, fifteen knights
and fifteen squires, each with his pennon dis
played. Behind them litter was borne
an aged priest the Bishop of Rennes CARRYING
in his hands the viatiCum and the holy oils
that he might give the last aid and comfort of
the Church to those who were dying. The
procession was terminated by hundreds of
men and women from Josselin, Guegon and
Helleon, and by the entire garrison of the
fortress, who came, as the English had done,
/
column had reached the field before the rear
was clear of the wood; but as they arrived the
ch. mpions picketed their horses on the
er side, behind which their banner was
-,an.ed, and the people lined up until they
ha>4 InClosed the whole lists with a dense wall
of spectators
With keen eyes the English party had
watched the armorial blazonry of their
antagonists, for those huttering pennons and
brilliant surcoats carried language which all
of Beaumanoir, blue with silver frets. His
motto, "f Anne quf m Anne" was carried on
a second flag by little page
Whose is the shield behind him-silver
with scarlet drops?" asked Knolles.
1T is his Squire William of Montaubon -
Calverley answered And there are the
golden lion of Rochefort and the silver cross
of Du Bots the Strong | would not wish to
meet better company than are before us
this day. See, there are the blue rings of young
Tintiniac, who slew my Squire Hubert last
Lammastide With the aid of Saint George
l will avenge him ere nghtfall"
by the three Kings of Amain!'' growled
Croquart, I'VE will need to fight hard this day,
gathered together. Yonder is Yves Cherue1
whom they call the man of iron, Caro- de
Bodegat also with whom | have had more
than one bickering-that is he with the three
ermine circles on the scarlet shield. There
too is left-handed Alain de Karanais; bear
where there is no shield.
Who is the small stout man." asked
Nigel" he with the black and silver shield?
BY Saint Paul he seems a very worthy person
and one from whom much might be gained,
for he is nigh as broad he is long. "
1t is Sir Robert Raguenal," said Calverley,
whose long spell of service in Brittany had
made him familiar with the people. 1t is
said that he lift horse upon his back
Beware a full stroke of that steel mace, for the
ar1nor is not made that can abide it. But
here is the good Beaumanoir, and surely it is
time that We came to grips"
The Breton leader had marshaled his men
in a line opposite to the English, and now he
strobe forward and shook Bambro' by the
hand. BY Saint Cadoc! this is a very joyous
meeting, Richard" said he, and we have
certainly hit upon very excellent way Of
keeping truce"
Indeed Robert" said Bambro I'VE owe
you much thanks; for l can see that you have
been at great pains to bring worthy company
against US this day. Surely if all should chance
to perish there will be few noble houses in
Brittany who will not mourn"
Nay, we have none OF the highest of
Brittany" Beaunanoi. answered. Neither
a Blois, nor a Leon, nor a Rohan, nor a Conan,
fights IN our ranks this day And yet we are
ali men of blood and coat-armor, who are
ready to venture our persons for the desire
of our ladies and the love of the high order of