The Ocala banner. (Ocala, Marion County, Fla.) 1883-194?, 1908-07-03
Of The Ocala Banner

ialric escort, dashes down the list to
where the clubs were stationed. and
! in a twinkle had them speeding back
to the head of the list and ready for
the second tilt.
The MaTiOns had by this time realiz-
ed their reverses, and fully appreciat-
ed the advantage which the St. Johns
had obtained over them. They had
met a foe worthy Of their steel, -
which they were unwilling to admit
until now, and with a determination
"to do or die" they impatiently await
| ed the second tilt.
The St. Johns, flushed with victory.
and elated by the continued huzzas of
their friends as they passed down the
line, were still quiet and said nothing.
They meant business"
Now comes the second tilt. Both
rider and horse are mettled, and now
for martial deeds. Away goes. Ma
riOn. Next follows a St Johns.
Alack. The Narions are improving.
They are not leaving the rings for
their opponents to bear away. Each
knight takes a goodly number and
their chances, which assumed such a
gloomy aspect during the first tilt.
now brightens, yet they are not cut
of the woods" The St. Johns are still
struggling with equal determination.
though not with that success which at
tended the first tilt.
We viii here state that the vast
crowd Of spectators. who hitherto had
looked on and enjoyed the contest
with an impartial interest. now allow
ed a partisan feeling to creep in and
to a great measure controlled their
pleasure. The struggle was becoming
too heated to remain a passive locker
on and not to espouse one side Of the
other. Bets were offered and taken
at an amazing rate, ranging from a
dozen cigars to sums which were a
fortune to IN average farmer.
At the close Of this ride. the Ma
rions had taken twenty-one rings,
and the st. Johns. sixteen. placing the
former club one ahead in the aggre-
gate.
As they passed up to the head of
the list for their third and last ride.
shouts of applause burst from the lips
Of spectators, who had at this stage
become utterly uncomfortable. Hats.
handkerchiefs and gloves all took
fight in the air: encouraging this
knight, applauding that one, until 81
fenced by the clear ringing voice of
the Grand field marshal commanding
! the knights 10 prepare or action.
! Then there was a silence: but, like
the calm Of the ocean, only awaiting
| the gentlest breath to arouse them in
their might
As knight after knight flew through.
| leaving the goals shorn of their bur
| den, loud were the shouts Of this NOV
ing mass of excited beings. First one
club would be ahead, and then The 9th
err, until just before the close of the
ride the MariOns began to gain a
few rings, and by strenuous efforts
kepts them 70 the close, taking TWEEN
ty-nine rings, while the St. Johns
stood twenty-five This ended the
contest.
The Marions We're enthusiastic over
their victory, yet suppressed their
feelings in a knightly manner The
St. Johns. though defeated. were con
tented with the result Of the struggle,
and With a modesty deserving better
fortune awaited the decision of the
judges. who complimented both clubs
on their knightly deeds, and with it
handed the championship cup TO the
grand field marshal, to be given to
! the Marions, which was done in the
/ following beautiful address:
Brave, Honorable and Chivalrous
/ Knights:
/ 1T is my pleasing Office to deliver
ito your gallant leader the award of
championship for your skill and valor
/ in the contest Of today. In winning
! this token You should feel the prouder
/ that you met and conquered a rival
worthy Of his steel In this tilt you
/ have paid a graceful tribute to wO-
man, which deserves the favor Of an
/ enlightened community. Your re-
ward is her smiles. You have exhibit
ed TO the world the spirit Of the cavaE
/ Ter and gentleman, which could not
be more beautifully and appropriately
expressed than in this land of flow
ers,' amid the brilliant representatives
of love and purity. That love and